Our apprentice journalists are encouraging more learners to take up the paid vocational skills path in National Apprenticeship Week.
Taking place from February 10 to 16, the week encourages people involved in apprenticeships and skills to celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that they bring. Co-ordinated by the Department for Education, the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is ‘Skills For Life’.
Our business has a proud recent track record of supporting apprentices who train in the newsrooms and with college courses, while earning as employees.
The latest apprentices joined Tindle’s news brands last year, following the success of an initial cohort of learners who completed their National Council for the Training of Journalists qualifications.
Of the five original apprentices, recruited in 2021 in the first Tindle apprenticeship drive, four took up full-time reporter roles with the company.
Tindle apprentices are employed as journalists based in the heart of communities to write for our trusted print titles while growing online reach through our enhanced digital strategy.
Our apprentices get valuable work experience in our newsrooms while undergoing formal courses to get the qualifications needed for editorial careers, by online learning with Darlington College in skills such as newsgathering and reporting.
Experience gained
Working in a multi-platform environment, the apprentices publish videos on our websites, take photos for publication and write engaging news copy, gaining experience in digital publishing and social media audience development.
From the current crop, Tomos Evans (pictured above) is with the Lydney team and Marcus McQuilton part of the Farnham newsroom.
Liz Davies, Regional Editor at Tindle Newspapers Wales and Borders, manages Tomos and can see the benefits to the news team from having a new learner build up their skills.
She said: “Tomos is the third apprentice I have worked with on my titles over the past few years and it is exciting and challenging in equal measures to work alongside these young reporters making their first steps in the industry.
“They bring a fresh dynamic to the newsroom and it is interesting to see the more senior reporters and editors not only passing on their experience but learning new skills from the apprentices in return.
“It has been great to watch Tomos grow in confidence as he builds on what he is learning in the classroom to develop his reporting skills and play an increasingly key role in the newsroom.”
Community based
Tomos works in the community where he has lived all his life, having studied media courses but not got the employment breakthrough he sought. Tomos said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Tindle, which has flown by!
“It is amazing to see my progress since the early days, which has been largely helped by Darlington College and the support from Liz and the reporters.
“I feel my skills have improved hugely over the last year, which is plain to see with my recent articles, video and photographs. I look forward to the coming year and hope to finish with NCTJ gold standard.
“My advice for the next apprentices is to be confident, don’t be disheartened in the early few months by criticism. I recommend taking regular time to improve shorthand and digital skills. I also recommend getting your name out there using social media and community groups. It really helps with news sourcing and building contacts.”
Apprentice journalist Marcus McQuilton, 22, is working for the Farnham Herald series, along with the Woking News & Mail, as his first experience of journalism having previously worked in catering.
Marcus said: “I have found the apprenticeship tough but very rewarding and every day is different.
Fast pace
“Working in a fast-paced digital environment means things have to be done no matter what the time or day of the week it is.
“This working environment has also pushed me to try new things which may be out of my comfort zone at first but then it becomes easier the more I try whether I fail or succeed.
“An apprenticeship gives you the perfect environment to learn and develop skills. Studying whilst working gives you the best of both worlds and it allows you to apply what you learn in the classroom directly into your work the next day.”
Emily Woolfe, Group Editorial Director, said: “As a business, Tindle has shown its commitment to developing future talent and providing valuable hands-on experience in a dynamic editorial environment.
“We continue to be well-supported by the NCTJ and are pleased to have seen our apprenticeship offer develop as the learners progress, adding to a sense of shared pride among everyone who has helped these up and coming journalists get established.”