Teeline tutors have been urged to ‘make shorthand magical’ to keep the skills alive at a seminar organised by the NCTJ.

Shorthand teachers across the UK were joined by the NCTJ’s shorthand board for the event at the University of Salford – the training organisation’s first since the Covid pandemic.

Issues discussed included the emergence of AI and how it may impact shorthand training.

Liverpool Echo editor Maria Breslin, a member of the NCTJ’s accreditation board, acknowledged that while many journalism jobs now did not require shorthand, it remained a vital skill.

Said Maria, pictured: “I use shorthand every day and while I’m never going to get a job with Hansard it remains key to who I am as a journalist. It is a skill I fought hard for and one which remains valuable.”

“Journalism is undoubtedly a different place since I qualified from the University of Central Lancashire many years ago and, as an editor, I have to embrace the changes the industry has undergone and continues to experience.

“There are undoubtedly roles that didn’t exist then and roles that do not require shorthand and I accept that.

“But newsrooms, where they still exist, are exhilarating and creative spaces and journalists who are capable and willing to take on any challenges are the ones most likely to succeed and they are most likely to be the students best equipped with the necessary qualifications and for me that still includes shorthand.”

Jo Goodall, a member of the NCTJ’s shorthand board, spoke about the emergence of AI and how it may impact shorthand training, while fellow board members Dani Wozencroft and Marie Cartwright gave useful advice about common mistakes seen in NCTJ exams.

Said Jo: “In our teaching, we have to keep shorthand magical to keep it alive.”

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Forbes said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with tutors teaching shorthand on our accredited courses.

“There was lively discussion and feedback about the delivery of shorthand, which the NCTJ will take on board to guide future decisions on the subject.”