My experience as the Stray Ferret's first apprentice journalist

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It’s the morning of my 23rd birthday, around 8am.

Other 23-year-olds might start their birthday with a nice breakfast or even a day off work, but mine looks a little different. I am sitting in the Stray Ferret office in front of my laptop - my hair in rollers ahead of the celebrations later that day (sorry, Tamsin) - ready to start my first shorthand lesson.

It was the first lesson of my NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) apprenticeship - a qualification for aspiring journalists.

Before this, like most graduates fresh out of university, I wasn’t sure what to do – so I went to London. Pretty quickly I realised I hated it, so came home to North Yorkshire.

By then, I knew I wanted to be a journalist – but I didn’t have a journalism degree, nor did I have any newsroom experience. I knocked on Stray Ferret founder Tamsin O'Brien’s door and begged her to give me a chance.

Like most publications, the Stray Ferret only hires trained journalists – a formal qualification, and I couldn’t bear the thought of going back to university.

But Tamsin had an idea. I would be the Stray Ferret’s first ever apprentice journalist.

'I got paid a full-time wage by the Stray Ferret'

The specific NCTJ apprenticeship I did was delivered remotely through Darlington College, so I spent every Monday doing lessons online.

Alongside shorthand, which was the bane of my existence come exam season, I completed modules in British media law, video journalism, public affairs, essential journalism and an investigation into the lack of affordable housing in rural areas. I didn’t realise how much there was to being a journalist!

The rest of the week was spent working in the Stray Ferret newsroom, meaning everything I learnt could be put into practice straight away.

As well as not having to pay for another course and get myself into even more student debt, I got paid a full-time wage by the Stray Ferret – the government only funds the training element of apprenticeships. Add that to the fact I was living at home, I saved a bomb compared to many of my peers.

And remember – you can do an apprenticeship straight out of college, so you don’t have to have a degree (or any student debt at all!). It’s a great option for the many people who want to be a journalist but can’t afford the thousands of pounds it can often cost.

The Stray Ferret wants to keep developing local talent, so has pledged to enrol another local apprentice journalist once it reaches 4,000 subscribers. The team are going to work with schools in the area to offer this rare opportunity to someone who couldn’t ordinarily afford to train but wants to be a journalist.

'It's the most valuable qualification I hold'

In a world in which many young people have either lost interest in the media or would rather trust the misinformation spread on social media, promoting careers in journalism has never been more important.

I spent around 18 months completing my NCTJ course, though they do vary in length, and I can safely say it is the most valuable qualification I hold – definitely over my degree. Not only did it provide me with all the vital tools I needed to work and develop as a journalist, such as an in-depth understanding of the justice system and court reporting, but it is an accreditation I can carry forever and automatically opens up so many more doors career-wise.

I am very proud to say I was the Stray Ferret’s first ever apprentice journalist and, without that opportunity, I probably would never have become a journalist at all - now that’s a scary thought! It’s rare I meet people my age who engage with the news, or at least legitimate news sources, so the Stray Ferret’s pledge to enrol another apprentice journalist after reaching 4,000 subscribers feels especially pertinent.

However, in making this pledge, the Stray Ferret are making a commitment. They have to pay a salary for new, untrained member of the team – and with minimum wage now being equal to £25,000 that’s not a small commitment.

Information has become a privilege, especially when it is being delivered by qualified, highly-experienced journalists. If you don’t already support the Stray Ferret, which covers stories across the Harrogate district more than any other news organisation, please consider doing so. Not only will you be supporting quality, independent journalism, but also a next-generation journalist. Without them, the already overwhelming world of misinformation will only continue to grow.

And for anyone reading this who would like to get into journalism, or knows someone who does, I cannot recommend it enough. It will be the best decision you make - even if you have a shorthand lesson on your birthday.

The Stray Ferret works hard to develop local talent - and we want to support a young person from a local school through a journalism apprenticeship. We need around 1,000 more subscribers to do this - can you help? If you don't already, you can subscribe today. If you are already a subscriber, please share this oppertunity far and wide.