Journalism Diversity Fund alumni achieve NCE

Two former Journalism Diversity Fund recipients have achieved their National Certificate Examination (NCE).
Amanda Hall and Hayley O’Keeffe both successfully completed the industry’s professional qualification for trainee journalists.

Amanda, who won a bursary in 2009 and now works as a reporter for the Maidenhead Advertiser, said she was delighted with the news: “It’s been a tough 18 months working and studying but it’s all paid off. I couldn’t have done it without the Journalism Diversity Fund, which gave me the opportunity to complete the initial training.”

She added: “I love what I do and I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Hayley, who won a bursary in 2008, is currently working as a reporter for the Bedfordshire Times and Citizen. She said: “It’s fantastic news and I’m looking forward to the benefits of being a senior reporter.”

She added: “I’ve always wanted to be a journalist and I am determined to make the most of it.”

More than one hundred reporters, two sports reporters and four sub-editors took the NCTJ National Certificate Examination in July 2012 hoping to gain senior status as a journalist.

There are four sections which make up the NCE: news interview; news report; newspaper practice; and logbook.

Trainees must complete at least 18 months employment before they are eligible to sit the exam.

Employers who support the programme register trainees with the NCTJ and a logbook, providing evidence of training and experience, is completed before taking the exams.