Reach has welcomed seven people as apprentice content creators following an initiative delivered in partnership with The King’s Trust.
The ‘Get Into Journalism’ programme, launched last year, supports people from underrepresented backgrounds across the UK at the start of their careers, who are seeking a pathway into journalism and digital media.
The new apprentices are Evelina Black (Liverpool), Erin Bridges (Liverpool), Morgan King (Liverpool), Ludwik Lipiec (Manchester), Georgia Cuthbertson (Newcastle), Ellie Rosemond (Newcastle) and Doug Hayward (Newcastle).
The programme began in October with a series of taster mornings in Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Birmingham, with each session introducing participants to the work of local editorial teams and The King’s Trust.
Reach says eleven were offered four week paid placements with Reach, during which time they gained hands-on experience in journalism essentials, digital storytelling and newsroom environments as well as employability training delivered by The King’s Trust.
At the end of the placement, seven paid 18-month apprenticeships were offered and all seven started last week. As apprentice content creators, the publisher says they will support the production of written video and multimedia content while learning about audience engagement, social analytics and platform specific storytelling.
One of the successful candidates, 20-year-old Erin Bridges from Liverpool, said: “After completing the Get Into Journalism programme, I have seen a significant impact on my confidence and skills. Through training with The King’s Trust I have been able to adapt my mindset and grow. I could not have achieved this opportunity without the four week placement and I am excited to begin my role with Reach.”
Dan Cording youth development lead at The King’s Trust said: “At The King’s Trust, we know that the people we work with have what it takes to succeed. By partnering with Reach we are giving them the chance to recognise their strengths and reach their full potential. We are delighted to see these apprentices begin the next stage of their journey.”
David Higgerson, Reach’s chief content officer, said: “Since its launch last year, this programme has brought new talent to the forefront and opened doors within the industry, while supporting our efforts to reach new audiences. We welcome all seven to Reach’s regional hubs - and as the UK’s largest publisher of local news, we look forward to continuing to work with The King’s Trust to offer pathways for young people who want to build careers in journalism.”
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