Trainee Reporter - The Mirror

Do you want to work for one of the biggest national news titles in the UK? Have you always wanted to work in journalism but haven’t had access to formal training? Then this opportunity is for you. The Mirror’s Trainee scheme enables you to gain a wide variety of experience across our newsroom teams including digital, print, news, features, showbiz, sport, politics and more.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring journalist to learn the fundamentals of journalism in a full-time, 2 year fixed term contract Trainee Reporter role and complete a fully-funded training course to become an NCTJ qualified Journalist. From researching, writing and publishing news content across the Mirror’s various platforms, to working with our Pride of Britain team to deliver our flagship event, this unique role will allow you to develop into a qualified, experienced journalist.

This role is based in our Canary Wharf Hub in London, we are therefore open to candidates based in and around, or able to relocate to London. We are flexible on start dates from September to October 2024.

In order to be considered for this position, it is essential that you include a cover letter as part of your application. This must be no more than 500 words and should include the following:

1. Why do you want to be a journalist?
2. Why do you want to work for the Mirror?
3. One story idea you think would be of interest to Mirror audiences

So, who are we?

We are Reach Plc, you might not have heard of us but we have probably met without you even realising it. We are home to the UK and Ireland’s most iconic digital platforms, magazines and newspapers. From the Mirror, Daily Express and OK!, to our regional titles such as the Liverpool Echo, BirminghamLive and the Manchester Evening News (plus lots more), our brands and the stories we cover are as varied as our people. We help all kinds of people share experiences through our stories because we believe this is what makes us human.

Oh, and we should probably also mention that with a monthly readership of 47 million people, Reach is the largest commercial publisher in the UK. At Reach, not only will you feel better understood, you will also feel you understand other people better too.

What will the role involve?

You will learn the ins and outs of the Mirror brand by working with experienced editors, desk heads and reporters across different areas of the newsroom. You will complete secondments under supportive guidance, to allow you to gain hands-on experience in multiple areas including both print and digital publishing. You will learn how to properly research and publish written articles, real-time live blogs, social media and video content and more, ensuring all your content meets the Mirror’s high standards.

You will get to be part of our dynamic Pride of Britain team as one of your secondments, helping to ensure this fantastic event goes off without a hitch. You will study for and undertake exams to complete the NCTJ Journalism qualification, learning essential media law skills to set you up for a successful career in journalism. Weekend and evening work may be required in this role, so a flexible approach is required.

Who are we looking for?

• As this is an entry level, trainee position, we are looking for candidates who have NOT completed a journalism degree, NCTJ/BJTC qualification or any professional journalism experience
• You have 5 GCSEs including English
• You have a clear passion for journalism and enjoy keeping up to date with the latest news stories and platforms
• You have some demonstrable experience writing content. This can be in any format, perhaps in a personal blog, articles you have written at home, or news based social media content. This does NOT need to be paid, professional or published work
• You are ready and willing to learn and immerse yourself in a fast paced environment

We’re looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds, and we want you to tell us the stories you believe are important from our many communities so we can continue to diversify our content.

Please note any application that does not include the required cover letter will not progress to the next stage of the recruitment process, so please ensure to include this so we can consider your application.

Closing date: Midnight on 23rd July 2024.

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive starting salary of £25,642.50 and benefits including;

• Help saving for your retirement- join our pension scheme and well match contributions up to 6%
• 25 days’ holiday per year when you join. After three, five and ten years’ service with Reach, you’ll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Giving back day- an additional days leave each year to support a cause close to your heart
• Enhanced family leave- including maternity, paternity and adoption - and youll be eligible after just six months employment
• Private Healthcare Cash Plan- free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses
• As one of the UKs top 50 Inclusive Employerseveryones invited to join our events, programmes and networks to celebrate diversity and build an environment where all our people can thrive
• Wellbeing support- including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest
• Awesome career opportunities- youll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes
• We are also a member of the30% Club, a global campaign aimed at increasing gender diversity at board and senior management levels

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.