Trinity Mirror has signed a deal to provide training for its graduates and trainees using a new company founded by the former head of Press Association Training.
Engage Media Training has been set up by Tony Johnston, who left Press Association Training in June last year after more than a decade in charge.
The deal comes after the publisher ended an agreement with Press Association that allowed the news agency to provide NCTJ-accredited journalism courses out of a training centre in Newcastle.
The centre was opened in 1969 and was taken over by Press Association in 2006. For most of that time it has been based at Thomson House (pictured) which is also the home of the Newcastle Chronicle, Journal and Sunday Sun and had been the main training centre for Trinity mirror journalists.
Neil Benson, editorial director for regionals at Trinity Mirror, said: “Our newsrooms will continue to evolve rapidly, so it’s essential we have a training plan and a set of qualifications that support the modern journalist’s skill set.
“We have built an excellent relationship with Tony over many years and I am delighted we will be working together on this key area.”
Johnston, managing director of Engage, added: “We are delighted to be working with Trinity Mirror in several key areas including developing a range of up-to-date qualifications that reflect the dramatic changes in their digital newsrooms.
“Trinity Mirror has made enormous progress in developing outstanding digital brands and we are very pleased to be able to support their teams in building their skills and knowledge further.
“Our business provides flexible, blended learning solutions to a range of clients in both traditional and non-traditional publishing businesses.”
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