NCTJ connects with students to discuss training, assessments and the future of journalism

Around 50 student representatives from NCTJ-accredited courses across the UK came together at the Financial Times in London today for the NCTJ Student Council.

The Student Council brings together students and apprentices elected by their peers to represent the views of those undertaking the NCTJ diploma, providing a direct line of feedback to the NCTJ on training, assessments and wider support.

The day opened with a welcome from Adele Jones, editorial early careers and development manager at the Financial Times.

Joanne Forbes, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “You are training at a pivotal moment for journalism, and the choices you make about accuracy, fairness and balance will shape how communities understand the world around them. That is why your training matters – and why your voice at the Student Council matters. What you say today genuinely influences how qualifications evolve and how the NCTJ supports future journalists.”

During an NCTJ panel session, students asked questions and shared feedback with senior NCTJ staff on topics such as how the NCTJ is supporting diverse talent to enter the industry and training on safety and resilience.

The programme also included roundtable discussions on how learners are currently using artificial intelligence and the skills they would like to develop further to prepare for modern newsrooms.

After lunch, students heard from an industry panel chaired by Veronica Kan-Dapaah, assistant editor at the Financial Times. The panel featured Laura Michael, senior editor, Newsquest; Will Gore, managing editor, The i Paper; Andy Thompson, senior news editor, Sky Sports News; and Maria Breslin, editor, Liverpool Echo.

Students asked for advice on what more can they do to be employable and how to stand out to editors.

Laura Michael said: “There are two things I am looking for: the NCTJ qualification and shorthand, you should put it at the top [of your CV]”.

Maria Breslin agreed about the importance of shorthand, adding: “It will set you apart. If I’m choosing between someone who has it and someone who doesn’t, I know who I’ll choose.

“It shows you mean business and we do require our reporters to have it.”

The day concluded with one-to-one appointments with NCTJ staff and networking.

The Student Council is a key part of the NCTJ’s commitment to supporting quality journalism training and ensuring student voices help shape the future of the industry.