Apprentices take up journalism placements

Tristan Shale-Hester, left, and Robbie Murrell have taken up apprenticeships at Baize Group in Gosport

Robbie Murrell, 19, of Gosport, and Tristan Shale-Hester, 18, of Walberton, West Sussex, are both doing the 18-month NCTJ Advanced Junior Journalism Apprenticeship Trailblazer course at Highbury College.

The course involves one day a week at the college learning the essentials of journalism, and working four days a week at the Baize Group offices in Gosport. Baize Group encompasses editorial and events company Blackball Media and automotive PR firm OnCue Communications.

The pair have been writing stories for the company’s websites and two motoring magazines, Car Dealer and Workshop.

By the end of the course, they will have plenty of work experience as well as the industry-recognised NCTJ-accredited Diploma in Journalism.

Tristan, who started the course this month, said: ‘It’s exactly the field I want to be working in. I am finding this more fulfilling than any other form of education I have undertaken and I feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity.’

Robbie, who has been on the course for two months, added: ‘It’s been the perfect start to my journalism career.’

James Baggott, chief executive officer of Baize Group, said: ‘Being able to help them as they make their first steps into journalism is a joy.’

Paul Foster, head of journalism at Highbury College, said: ‘This apprenticeship is ideal for young writers who want to get the qualifications they need to progress and the vital work experience required to show future employers what they are capable of.’