The first two trainee journalists to take up our unique multimedia news career programme have successfully achieved their qualifications.
Amelia Averis and Lily Buckley have passed the National Council for the Training of Journalists Diploma in Journalism, after completing our inaugural scheme launched to allow new journalists to gain experience of working across Tindle’s media businesses.
In a groundbreaking opportunity, our companies created a combined two-year multimedia reporter training course to offer the chance to learn the skills needed to produce content by working across newspapers, news websites and radio broadcasts.
Amelia and Lily were chosen following a nationwide recruitment process for multimedia candidates launched in 2023. As well as on-the-job experience gained at four parts of our media group, in three-month stints at each, the trainees undertook the NCTJ Diploma via distance learning.
Amelia and Lily began work with the Mid-Devon Advertiser to experience working within a local publishing business, followed by a spell with our central digital news team.
The pair then worked at our Jersey radio station Channel 103 then on to our sister station in Ireland, Midlands 103, before they each spent 12 months specialising at a centre.
Group Editorial Director Emily Woolfe congratulated the pair on achieving their qualifications. She said: “Congratulations to Amelia and Lily for successfully completing this pioneering programme, which demonstrates our commitment to nurturing the next generation of journalists.
Thriving professionals
“Their achievement validates our belief that hands-on experience across different media platforms creates well-rounded professionals who can thrive in today’s evolving news landscape.
“With the support of Tindle Radio CI Managing Director James Keen and Midlands 103 Managing Director Will Faulkner, plus colleagues across the business, we have shown that Tindle can build upon its heritage in trusted community news and broadcasting by offering career development to meet the requirements of modern audiences.”
Amelia, who is now working in news for Channel 103, said completing the course had set her up in her career. She said: “I have learned how to be a confident journalist, which goes beyond just the exams, and is more about trusting your own judgement of what makes a good story or a good line, and running a story the way you think is good.
“If anyone is considering starting out with Tindle I would encourage them to say yes to everything, including opportunities to travel or taking on something new, even stories or interviews you are nervous about.
“I’ve got nerves of steel now. The variety in journalism is something most people crave in a job, so grab it by the horns.”
Broadcast highlights
As well as enjoying her time in the Channel Islands enough to want to progress further there, Amelia says working for Midlands 103 was another highlight.
“When I was living with Lily in Ireland and doing the outreach broadcasts together, we travelled to different towns and interviewed the locals; it was so amazing.
“We got to see so many places and I felt like we were properly in Ireland.
“I honestly feel like I can do anything after living in different places with different jobs, while working full-time whilst completing a diploma. The world is my oyster.”
Lily also feels she has gained invaluable skills for her future career. She said: “Doing such a practical apprenticeship has taught me more about people and myself then a university course ever could.
“Doing the NCTJ training alongside everyday work has made a significant difference to my technical skills as a journalist.”
Print buzz
Lily advises future trainees to be adaptable. She said: “Be prepared to throw yourself in the deep end as every day is different and with that comes new challenges, so don’t get too comfortable.
“In such a fast-paced industry your role is ever changing. Be confident, be willing and above all be yourself.”
Lily remembers the buzz she got from seeing her work first published. She said: “The first time I saw one of my articles in the newspaper, I had gone into a shop on my lunch break and there on the stand was an article with my name on the byline. I could not believe it.
“When I first started here, I struggled to string together an introduction to a story, now two years on, I’m a qualified journalist. Tindle prepares you for pretty much any job in the world because it teaches you where hard work and passion can get you. Most of the skills I have acquired are transferable to all aspects of my life and my confidence as a person has grown hugely.”
Lily is now stepping away from journalism to take up a job in London as an art director and copy writer. She said: “Working in journalism is still a long-term aspiration of mine, I’m just widening the skill sets to be the best communicator I can be.”