Daily Mirror to recruit first-time voter as journalism apprentice in run up to 2015 general election

The Daily Mirror is recruiting an apprentice journalist aged 17-21 who will be voting for the first time at the 2015 General Election.

The Voice of a Generation intiative is being launched jointly with the think tank British Future.

Here's the press release:

MAY 7, 2015 will be the day the nation speaks – but how many young people will have a voice and what will their message be?

As the countdown begins to the next general election all party leaders should be listening to first time voters – the 17-21 year olds who could make or break their fortunes.

But these same young people feel ignored by politicians…..while claiming the media never reflects their views.

Not any more.

Today we can announce an exciting Mirror initiative to get their views heard loud and clear……through the Voice of a Generation.

In association with independent think tank British Future we are setting up an apprenticeship, for a trainee reporter on the Daily Mirror – who will be that voice.

The successful candidate will not only land a job on Britain's intelligent tabloid and begin their rise up the journalistic ladder, they will get the chance to set the news agenda too.

We are looking for an outstanding candidate aged 17 to 21, who will be voting for the first time at the 2015 general election.

Our apprentice will be given the best training available and mentored for 12 months by senior journalists on the Daily and Sunday Mirror, based in our offices in Canary Wharf, London.

They will take up their post on May 7th, 2014 – exactly a year before the country goes to the polls and passes judgement on the Con-Dem government and rival political parties.

And they will be responsible for reporting on the issues that really matter to other first time voters……be it jobs, education, housing, health, immigration or human rights.

Our Voice of a Generation will be able to speak up for those who feel they aren't being heard, start national conversations and deepen debates…..so that our political leaders have to sit up and LISTEN.

British Future’s director Sunder Katwala said: “We hear a lot of older voices talking about young people in our political debate today, but we don’t hear anywhere near enough from first-time voters themselves. The Voice of a Generation project will find out what young people most care about – and ensure their concerns are heard by the wider public and by the people making decisions on their behalf.”

British Future is a non-partisan group that wants to get us all talking about the way our country is going – to address people's hopes and fears about our identity, opportunities and integration.

They know the Mirror has a proud tradition of campaigning on social issues as well as a great record of training award-winning journalists.

That's why they have asked us to start the search for the Voice of a Generation.

Could it be you? Well, here's how to apply.

You must be 17-21 by May this year and a first time voter in the 2015 general election.

You must be hardworking, articulate and self-motivating with an understanding of journalism and an interest in social issues.

You may be in full or part-time education, looking for a change of career or currently unemployed and do not need prior experience or specific qualifications.

Send us your CV with a covering letter explaining why YOU should be the Voice of a Generation – by Friday February 14, 2014.

Applications can be made by post to: Aidan McGurran, Deputy Managing Editor, Mirror, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5AP.

All entries will be judged by a panel of experts and the shortlisted candidates will be called for interview.