The last time the open application training scheme was run was five years ago and its alumni include current EDP political editor Annabelle Dickson and Dereham community editor Chris Hill.
Editor-in-chief Nigel Pickover said: “Post the Leveson Inquiry, proper training for journalists has never been more important. But it’s an expensive process, particularly for graduates already in debt from their university course.
“This recruitment scheme is designed to ensure Archant can identify the very best of Norfolk talent and provide training irrespective of whether they can afford it, with the guarantee of a job at the end of it.”
Candidates – who must have at least two A-levels - are being invited to apply now, with a selection process taking place in the early autumn.
Applicants should write a 250-word statement on “Why I want to be a journalist” together with a covering letter containing contact details.
A number of people will then be invited to sit an aptitude test, with the best being asked back for interview, after which two trainees will be chosen.
One will attend a 17-week course run by Press Association Training at its training school in Newcastle from next January, with the other place being deferred, but guaranteed, until August 2014. They will be paid during the duration of the course.
The course covers all the skills junior reporters need to hit the ground running in a modern newsroom, including news writing, media law and ethics, public affairs and multi-media modules. It also teaches shorthand to 100wpm.
The course is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists and leads to the industry-recognised NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.
Nigel Pickover added: “We think it’s important to recruit locally whenever possible and help Norfolk people fulfil their aspirations.
“Age is no barrier, and we will welcome applications from more mature people as well as school leavers and recent graduates.
“What’s important is a passion for news and a belief in the public’s right to know what’s going on in their communities.”
Candidates should apply in writing to Sandra Mackay, PA to the Editor-in-Chief, at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE. The closing date is Friday, September 27.
