Brighton-based journalism training company is taken over by its tutors

Training company Brighton Journalist Works has been taken over by its tutors.

The move comes months after the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) temporarily removed the private training company’s accreditation status. It has since been restored.

BJW’s fast-track course, which they say is the shortest one in the country, will last 16 weeks. The centre also offers a part-time weekend course running from September to July. Both are accredited by the NCTJ.

Richard Lindfield, incoming managing director at the BJW said: “Our aim is to continue providing the same top-class training students at Brighton Journalist Works have received over the past ten years.

“We recognise we have to equip our students with the tools to meet the challenges of journalism in a digital age. Our training will combine the core, traditional skills with the future skills needed as students start out on their careers.”

The course is is to be owned and run by five of its tutors.

Paula O’Shea, the training provider’s departing managing director, said: “The success of Journalist Works has always been largely down to our tutors; an inspirational, talented and knowledgeable bunch.

“We are thrilled they have decided to take over running the joint too and have assured them of our support in the future.”

The courses will be based at Vantage Point, opposite the Preston Circus fire station, next to the offices of Johnston Press-owned free weekly newspaper the Brighton and Hove Independent.

Lindfield said: “Vantage Point is the perfect location. It is within walking distance of the three railway stations in the city and on many of the major bus routes. Students will be ideally placed to go out and get stories in the city centre, and we’ll be the first to know when there’s a major fire.”