The Independent backs media trainee scheme

The Independent is supporting a scheme which aims to increase diversity in journalism by assisting young people who do not have a university degree to pursue a career in the media.

The pioneering project, which has received backing from the Government, will identify three apprentices between the ages of 19 and 24 who will undergo a high level of specialist teaching and on-the-job training. Only non-graduates will be eligible.

The two-year programme will be the first of its type and will be run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), with the trainees attending courses in journalism, media law and ethics at Lambeth College in London for one day a week. For the rest of the week they will receive hands-on training at The Independent, i and London Evening Standard newspapers.

Doug Wills, group managing editor of Independent Print Ltd and Evening Standard Ltd, said: “We are proud to be the first newspaper group to support this NCTJ scheme which will give a unique opportunity for young people of all backgrounds to enter journalism.” The group will from next spring also launch the London Live television channel.

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said: “The apprenticeship scheme provides an alternative route into journalism for those who want to benefit from learning while they work. The Evening Standard and Independent have been at the forefront of the scheme’s development, and the three talented apprentices will have a fantastic opportunity to develop core journalistic skills.”