A visually impaired regional journalist has hailed the benefits of journalism apprenticeships after landing her “dream job”.

Emily Davison has spoken about how she was able to land a trainee reporting role with the News Shopper, in South-East London, after completing the National Council for the Training of Journalists’ Certificate in Foundation Journalism with Ability Today’s Academy for Disabled Journalists.

Emily, who was diagnosed with Septo Optic Dysplasia when she was born, previously undertook work experience with the News Shopper while studying for the course.

She is now training for her NCTJ qualifications on the job and spoke about her experience to mark National Apprenticeship Week.

The 28-year-old, pictured, said: “I had tried many apprenticeships and traineeships for disabled people but never got it because it was too competitive.

“To be told I got the job because of my skillset and portfolio was so nice.

“To add to it, I was told I would also be able to study for the diploma while working.

“Offering me the ability to study it while on the job was very desirable.”

The NCTJ has partnered with Ability Today since 2020 to offer accessible journalism courses to aspiring journalists with disabilities and longstanding health conditions.

Emily will soon be embarking on her diploma training by joining remote sessions with Darlington College once a week, having started her job in November

She said: “I am really enjoying it and I am looking forward to starting studying. It’s mostly working remotely and I can go into the office when I want.

“The flexibility is something I am very grateful for as it means I can be consistent.

“It’s amazing that I finally have my dream job.”

Grant Logan, founder of Ability Today’s Academy for Disabled Journalists, said: “While studying for the CFJ, Emily made a connection with a masterclass guest speaker and landed some work experience, which then led to her trainee reporter position at Newsquest.

“From the start we were extremely impressed with Emily, one of our most engaging Academy students, we always knew that she had the potential to go far as she showed huge motivation and drive.

“With articles already commissioned and her continued social media presence, she showed that perseverance and commitment to her craft would help her make the move to full time employment. We are really excited to watch as Emily develops her career.”

Simon Murfitt, editor at News Shopper publisher Newsquest London, added: “Emily was helped with her Certificate in Foundation Journalism by Ability Today and they also helped her when she did work experience with us last year.

“And we’re really glad they did as she was so helpful on her placement that she was a great candidate when a vacancy for a trainee reporter came up later in the year.

“It’s so important that journalists represent the diverse populations they serve and we can’t do that without people from all walks of life in our newsrooms, so I was delighted we were able to take on Emily in a permanent position.”