Joe Corrick works as a reporter for the Brecon & Radnor Express, based in Brecon, in Powys, mid Wales.
Joe is one of our first five editorial apprentices, who were recruited after more than 200 people applied and who have all qualified as journalists and been awarded full-time contracts.
The five were recruited in 2021 in an apprenticeship drive carried out to employ journalists in the heart of communities to bolster the popular print titles while growing online reach.
Here Joe talks about the progress he has made already by the age of 20 and the personal development he has made reporting in the local community where he lives.
What are the main responsibilities in your role?
I find stories and write them to appear on our websites and in our newspaper. I also post the links on Facebook and Twitter. I had no previous experience in news before I joined and the role in Tindle was effectively my first job. By reporting on the local area, you get much more a feel for the community. I see the community coming together in different ways.
Covering most of Powys, I started out with being handed stories from colleagues and after connecting with people locally I have built up contacts. I phone and email people with enquiries for my stories and then interview people either on the phone or in person. A lot of news comes from updates on social media so I am always looking for stories which are different and interesting, which is helping me to develop a news sense.
What was the appeal of joining the company?
I am from Herefordshire and moved to this area four years ago so I knew the region when I started. I had finished sixth form college and knew I did not want to go to university so I was looking to get a job or an apprenticeship. I saw the Tindle advert and immediately wanted to go for it, hoping I might enjoy it. As an apprentice, I liked the fact that I could apply what I was learning to the job. It has helped me realise how many interesting stories about people in our community are out there.
What does a typical day in your role involve?
My role is varied. I expect to send a lot of emails and speak to people each day to follow up stories, as well as checking social media, particularly Facebook groups for local groups and associations, along with the police.
I am out and about a couple of times each week, interviewing people and taking photos. We have been trained on video so if I am in a shop or watching a street parade, I am able to get a clip of footage to publish on our website.
Talking to people was very difficult at first because I was not confident. Going to interview people was a challenge and it was not easy but I have learned interviewing techniques and now enjoy it.
What is the most unusual story you have worked on?
We had a man get in touch laying claim to his mother’s garden being the best looking in Brecon. I looked into the story and her garden had the most colourful displays of flowers. I took some video footage and we published the story online and it had more than 3000 views, which showed the interest in the hyperlocal news we publish.
The other highlight was reporting on the visit by the King and Queen to Brecon, which we reported upon with a live blog online. Being there was pretty surreal as if I did not do this job I would probably never have gone along or got so close.
Which colleagues do you interact with the most in your working day?
I work with the other journalists including the editor, who are always super friendly and helpful. We share stories with other titles in Wales and Borders so I liaise with them. I also have training with the digital team to develop online skills, including video editing and camera techniques. We have also looked at how we can use AI in our work.
What do you enjoy about working for Tindle?
I did not realise how lucky I am in my role until I spoke to colleagues across the industry. I have been fortunate to work for Tindle, where I can learn and work in the Brecon area where I live. Where others may have large areas to cover or long commutes, I have got to know the community here.
What are your interests outside of work?
I am massively into sport, particularly football. I have supported Newcastle United since I was five years old, after my dad got me their shirt. I play football at the local leisure centre.