Applications Open: PA Training Bursaries for Aspiring Black
British Journalists
By Careers Desk
Monday, March 7,
2016.
London, UK:
The Press Association (PA), the
UK’s leading multi-media news agency, is offering world-class training and paid
work placements to budding journalists from Black Britain and other ethnic
groups.
The organisation says its bursary scheme is
designed to enable more people from financially disadvantaged, and black, Asian
and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to enter the profession. Backed by the
Journalism Diversity Fund, the 2016 application process follows the successful
launch of the PA’s bursary scheme last year, which resulted in two trainee
journalists winning places on its News and Sports operations.
Applications can be submitted via the PA website until 5th April
2016. Successful candidates will receive:
· a
place on the PA’s Diploma in Journalism course, accredited by the National
Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), with fees covered by the PA
· a
bursary to cover living expenses whilst studying in London
· a
two-year training placement either in the Press Association’s main newsroom or
with the Sports team, on a full trainee salary
In addition to valuable on-the-job experience and
an industry-standard qualification at the UK’s leading news agency, the scheme
will offer the chance for the successful candidates to secure a permanent role
at the PA at the end of their training contract.
Clive Marshall, Chief Executive of the PA, said:
“Talent is to be found in all of our communities
and we want to nurture promising journalists who are keen to learn and are
committed to the PA’s values of fast, fair and accurate journalism. Ultimately
that will help our newsroom to better reflect the communities we cover by
increasing diversity in our teams.”
Olawale Kuponipe, Trainee Sports Journalist at the
PA, and one of the successful applicants from 2015, said:
“Without the PA’s scheme, I wouldn’t be where I am
today. I’ve learnt so many of the skills needed to become a successful
journalist in today’s media environment. My proudest moment has been receiving
my media accreditation to cover Premier League and Football League matches just
five months into my traineeship. Having my hard work rewarded and knowing I’ve
made a solid start in a career reporting live sports stories has given me a lot
of confidence. I’d encourage anyone thinking of applying for the scheme to go
ahead and do it.”
The PA’s bursary scheme is now open and interviews
will take place in mid-April. Application forms and additional information
on criteria are available on the PA website - https://www.pressassociation.com/Careers/Bursary/