View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
August 17, 2012updated 28 Sep 2012 1:21pm

Freelance Murray to take on second apprentice

By Richard Wilson

For the second year running freelance journalist Janet Murray is offering a school-leaver the chance to train for a career in journalism by joining her as an apprentice.

The 12-month scheme pays £6.08 an hour and introduces potential journalists to new skills such as news writing, using social media and organising events.

Last year's apprentice, 22-year-old Rhian Jones, was selected from more than 60 applicants across the UK and is now a staff writer for Music Week.

Murray launched the apprenticeship scheme in 2011 to offer young people an alternative route into journalism.

She told Press Gazette: 'This type of learning isn't for everyone. Applicants need to be passionate and enthusiastic about being a journalist and prepared to get stuck in, work hard and try new things."

Murray is also after someone who has a 'a love of language'and is 'passionate and enthusiastic about the role".

 

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

'Rhian was prepared to try her hand at anything and that adaptable approach in journalism is vital when your priorities can change at the click of a finger,'she said.

'I encourage people to get out there, get blogging, get writing and try to get something published."

Jones said the scheme provided the ideal platform for her to develop her journalism skills.

'I learnt more in those few months than in my entire life,'she said. 'Last week I saw my first front page write up and that is when it hit me – I've made it, I'm a proper journalist."

Asked what attributes the next apprentice would need, she said: 'Attitude, it's all about attitude.

'You need to be willing to do anything and everything, say yes to everything and be prepared to get stuck in and make the most of the experience presented.'

The vacancy is advertised on the National Apprentice Service's website and the deadline is 28 August 2012.

Topics in this article :

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network