NCTJ partners with the Financial Times to broaden access to journalism careers
The NCTJ has partnered with the Financial Times (FT) to launch a new training programme, giving 15 aspiring journalists the opportunity to study for the NCTJ’s Certificate in Foundation Journalism (CFJ) through the newly established FT School of Journalism.
The CFJ is an NCTJ Level 3 qualification that provides a foundation in essential journalism skills, including newsgathering, writing and media law. Learners will study via the NCTJ’s Journalism Skills Academy and take part in masterclasses led by journalism trainer Dani Wozencroft, former course leader at City of Wolverhampton College.
FT School of Journalism staff mentors and trainees
Participants are supported throughout the programme by dedicated mentors from the FT editorial team, who provide practical industry insight alongside their training. By combining mentoring with an NCTJ qualification, the programme aims to widen access to journalism and prepare a broader range of voices to progress in newsrooms.
Trainee Mia Milan Davies practicing active listening with mentor Farah Khalique
Trainees touring FT London Headquarters
The programme began in September with an induction day at the FT’s London headquarters. Students heard from FT School of Journalism founders Jacqui Dobson and Veronica Kan-Dapaah, before taking part in a session on active listening and mentoring led by Rukasana Bhaijee, FT diversity, equity and inclusion leader.
The cohort also met the NCTJ team and heard from wealth editor Josh Spero about the responsibilities of his role and life as a financial journalist. A tour of the video and audio departments gave students a first-hand look at how stories are produced across multiple formats, before they spent the afternoon in the newsroom.
Veronica Kan-Dapaah, assistant editor at the Financial Times, said: “At the Financial Times, we value having a diversity of backgrounds in our newsroom because we aim to produce the very best journalism. The best journalism requires a diversity of perspectives to truly reflect the world we live in and report on. “The NCTJ and Financial Times have worked in partnership to launch this course, which we hope will be the gateway to further training and a career.”
Lyn Jones, head of qualifications at the NCTJ, said: “We are pleased to be working with the Financial Times on this partnership. This programme is an important step in opening up journalism opportunities and supporting a wider range of voices entering newsrooms. It also demonstrates how NCTJ qualifications can be delivered flexibly to meet the needs of different organisations and learners, while maintaining the quality and skills foundation that the CFJ provides.“
