News Shopper Young Reporters' scheme offers school pupils chance to get published (From News Shopper)

News Shopper Young Reporters' scheme offers school pupils chance to get published

4:50pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in News

BUDDING journalists have an opportunity to get ahead in the media industry thanks to News Shopper's Young Reporters’ scheme.

Last year our very own scheme for keen wannabe reporters gave more than 500 secondary school pupils a springboard into the trade thanks to a boosted CV and published portfolio.

Year 10 to 13 students can now once again develop a nose for news and sniff out local stories and photographs to upload to the News Shopper website — viewed by more than 200,000 visitors every month.

Young writers can hone their skills over eight months with monthly deadlines for articles and top talent rewarded at an awards ceremony.

Promising reporters are encouraged to source local news snippets themselves and upload them directly to the online paper with minimal input from schools.

Students who have taken part have been delighted with the scheme and past winner Kathryn Clark says it was an experience she will treasure.

“It's important that busy teachers realise the scheme is fully administered and run by the newspaper, it really doesn’t mean any extra work for anyone at the schools taking part.

Andy Parkes, group managing editor

She said: “The young journalist scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for people who enjoy writing and are curious about journalism.

“It is an experience I will treasure as it gave me the chance to express my opinions and views while helping to develop my style of writing.

“I was sorry when the scheme ended as I had really enjoyed writing the articles but I was very proud to be the Overall Winner.”

This year’s scheme will run from September to April with students divided into two age groups.

Those who complete the required eight articles will receive a letter of congratulations from a Newsquest editor, which can be used in UCAS applications and with CVs.

Newsquest group managing editor Andy Parkes said: “The Young Reporters’ Scheme is a fantastic chance to get ahead in a fiercely competitive industry.

“It is so difficult for non-graduates to land work experience in newsrooms these days, but this scheme gives young people a unique taste of life as a reporter.

Past students have impressed future employees with a readymade published portfolio and enhanced CV.

“I would urge any potential writer to give it a go. It is an opportunity not to be missed!”

GET INVOLVED

To find out more about the scheme, email Diana Jarvis at djarvis@london.newsquest.co.uk or call her on 020 8722 6378.