Lads’ magazine Loaded is launching a journalism training scheme for university students.
It aims to take on at least one student a year and says the scheme is structured to give students an “outstanding advantage” when seeking a job at the end of their course. The scheme is unpaid but travel expeses will be covered.
As well as spending time at Loaded's new multi-media HQ in Hersham, Surrey, during the academic holidays, the magazine said it the trainee will be commissioned to write regular feature articles for publication during term time.
The initiative is being overseen by Adam Thorn, assistant editor at Loaded. He said: “In the last year, Loaded journalists have interviewed a person on death row, searched for dinner with a man who eats road-kill, put the world to rights with Ray Winstone as well as chatting to the biggest names in music, TV and film. In other words, great journalism.
"Now we're looking to help a talented young person break into the world of magazines. The successful candidate won't be making the tea, but will get a real chance to fill their portfolio with great articles. We will help them every step of the way and leave them in a great position to gain a job in a tough industry."
The magazine was sold to former lawyer and adult film producer Paul Baxendale-Walker in April, two weeks after its former owner Vitality Publishing entered administration with debts of almost £1m.
Former News of the World news editor Ian Edmondson become the new editor shortly after the takeover, promising to take the magazine 'back to the glory days" and re-establish its “bad-boy image”.
Edmondson is one of a number of former News of the World journalists set to face trial next year accused of involvement in a conspiracy to illegal hack mobile phone voicemail messages.
Baxendale-Walker said in July that he was making a multi-million pound investment in Loaded TV, which aims to broadcast for three hours a day later this year via the Sky platform and over the internet. He is refitting a 38,000 square feet studio in Hersham as the magazines new headquarters.
Students can apply for the Loaded University Training Scheme by email or post.
Applicants must explain in no more than 100 words why they should work for Loaded, plus send a CV and a selection of PDFs of their previous work to Loaded Magazine, 23 Lyon Road, Hersham, KT12 3PU or via email to university@loaded.co.uk
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
