The John Schofield Trust’s award winning face-to-face mentoring scheme matches apprentice and early career journalists with experienced mentors from a different organisation. Our scheme is an exciting opportunity for young journalists to develop their professional skills. It offers access into the industry when it can be of most help – within the first five years of a news career.
We prioritise applicants who come to the industry with less privilege and fewer connections.
We invite talented print, digital and broadcast journalists with between two and five years experience to apply for the 12-month mentoring scheme, especially those from backgrounds which are under-represented in the UK and Irish media. Those chosen by a panel of trustees and advisors will be matched with an experienced journalist mentor. We expect to pair around 100 early career journalists with mentors in 2024.
Mentors are selected as the most suitable to help the candidate achieve their individual career goals. They provide support, advice and guidance throughout the 12 months. Fellows are also invited to attend further events and masterclasses on a range of journalistic topics to support their learning and develop their skills. These also provide the opportunity for early career journalists to expand their networks, getting to know new people and organisations across the industry.
Below is some information for you to consider before applying.
We are hosting a virtual webinar for all applicants on 11th September at 6pm. You will hear directly from past successful applicants, Fellows and Senior Fellows, and have a chance to ask any questions you have about the form. You can register to access the zoom link here.
You need to meet all of the following criteria:
We especially welcome applications from those who come to the sector with less privilege and fewer connections, which is linked to our mission to ensure newsrooms are as diverse as the audiences they serve.
To help us make a fair selection, we need you to provide three things when you apply (via the form):
You can apply via this form for English speakers or this form if you are a Welsh speaker.
You can submit your reference via this form – this must be filled in by your reference, not you – and submitted by 30th September at 23:59.
Only applications with a reference will be considered.
Applications will close on 30th September at 23:59.
A panel consisting of journalists from the sector and John Schofield Trust supporters will convene to carefully consider and shortlist applications. If you are successful we will look to match you with an appropriate and compatible mentor from our Senior Fellow network, taking into consideration what you have told us you about your professional interest, goals and experience. This process takes some time, meaning all applicants will be contacted in October or November. We ask you be patient during this time.
The mentoring then officially begins in January 2024, running for 12 months to the end of December 2024.
If you have any questions regarding the application or need assistance because you have accessibility needs, contact info@johnschofieldtrust.org.uk.