Apprenticeship provides ‘incredible opportunities’
In January 2018 Sussex Newspapers began its 18-month apprenticeship scheme for four journalists.
The apprentices spend four days a week working in the newsroom and one day a week gaining their Diploma in Journalism, the industry standard qualification.
The apprentices spend their time writing for the community team while studying media law, video journalism, shorthand and more.
Belinda Dickins, one of the apprentices, said: “I feel like I have a really good grounding in journalism for my career going forward.
“It has been really hard work but I am so glad I chose to do the apprenticeship.”
Yasmin Randall told how one of the highlights of the scheme was covering the visit of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Sussex.
She added: “It was amazing to cover such a prestigious event.
“The scheme has given me so many incredible opportunities.”
Sian Cripps told of her whirlwind journey from a waitress at a family tea room to becoming one of the successful applicants on the scheme.
She said: “It has honestly been the best year of my life.
“I have learnt so many different things from other journalists in the office but I have also learnt a lot about myself. The best part of my apprenticeship has been the people I’ve met and how much it’s changed me as a person.”
Sam Dixon-french said: “Doing the apprenticeship was one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s hard work and throws you in at the deep end but you have an excellent support network and it’s immensely rewarding. The experience you gain from actually working in a newsroom while studying is second to none.
“The scheme has offered me opportunities I never would have otherwise got, reporting on Rolls-royce and interviewing Romesh Ranganathan just the tip of a sizeable iceberg. If you are considering applying for a journalism apprenticeship then go for it - you earn while you learn and will gain the industry standard qualification along with unrivalled work experience.”
Apprenticeships are offered by numerous businesses including Rolls-royce, Horsham based company Trend Controls and this newspaper.
Chichester MP Gillian Keegan is an apprenticeship ambassador.
She has her own experience of apprenticeships and is a big supporter of the schemes and the transferable skills they offer.
She took a degree level apprenticeship at a car factory which she said completely changed her life.
She said: “It’s given me a lifelong approach to learning. It’s not for everybody but I think it’s for more people than are currently going down this route. For me it was basically a social mobility ticket. The apprenticeship was what offered me the chance to get into the workplace and continue to be educated.”
Gillian told how she wanted to dispel myths that apprenticeships were a ‘second class route’.
She added: “It’s something that gives your career a real boost.
“I want people to understand that actually an apprenticeship is as valued a route to the top of any profession.
“It can propel you very quickly up the career ladder.”