Get a sneak peek at pioneering classroom

Anyone considering a career in the media is invited along to an open day at The News (our sister paper) headquarters at 1000 Lakeside, North Harbour.

Applications are now being accepted for the one-year Diploma in Journalism, run in partnership with Highbury College.

Starting this September, it provides students with everything they need to make it as a journalist on a newspaper, website, TV or radio station.

Achieving the diploma can also pave the way for a job in PR, social media, publishing and communications – all without having to pay thousands in university fees.

Mark Waldron, editor of The News, said: “For the first time we’re opening up our doors so prospective students can take a look around the classroom in the newsroom.

“The set-up is unique for a newsroom – there’s nothing like it across the country.”

The pioneering course mixes quality training alongside work experience at the south’s biggest-selling daily newspaper The News.

This will be the fourth year for the course, which is fully accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Many of those who have passed through the classroom have gone on to great things in all walks of media. Some have also used it as a way of gaining work experience while undertaking a qualification during a gap year.

Paul Foster, who leads the journalism courses, said: “The students who complete the diploma course have a huge advantage over others going for jobs as they have already had real-world work experience.

“The open day is a chance for students to see how the classroom works and take a tour of the newsroom.’

The open day at The News, 1000 Lakeside, North Harbour, Western Road, PO6 3EN, takes place on Saturday, May 7 from 10am to 3pm.

Alternatively, the Highbury College open day is on Wednesday, May 11 from 4.30pm to 7pm.

For more information, search for the Highbury College Journalism Training page on Facebook.

To apply log on to highbury.ac.uk/journalism or e-mail [email protected].