The Press Association (PA) is continuing to encourage aspiring journalists from socially and ethnically diverse groups by offering inclusive training and paid work placements.
Intended to welcome more people from financially disadvantaged, and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds into journalism, the he PA’s bursary scheme launched last year.
Backed by the Journalism Diversity Fund, last year’s bursary offered places on PA’s News and Sports operations to two trainee journalists.
The bursary includes:
- 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
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.
