June 2000 
| June 2000 |
NEWSLETTER |
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(Continued from Page 1)
Training TodayNearly 50 years on, trainees are still required to be taught and tested in these subjects which now form seven preliminary exams, themselves necessary for the renamed and advanced skills National Certificate.The main difference in the system, which has adapted throughout to meet changing needs, new technology and constantly revised legislation and Government devolution, is that most training now takes place prior to employment on pre-entry courses, so that editors can recruit trainees who can immediately apply their basic skills and knowledge on the job. Pre-entry training can take several forms - a one-year course, a fast-track 20 weeks course for graduates and mature entrants, or a three-year degree course. PartnershipsThe NCTJ accredits 30 universities and colleges in Britain, including Northern Ireland, and strict accreditation procedures have to be met, and are reviewed every three years, or sooner if problems arise.In addition there is direct-entry which in several larger newspaper groups is carried out in-house to the same NCTJ criteria and teaching the same syllabus with the same exams. In this case trainees complete their basic skills tests on the job, aided by the NCTJ Distance Learning Foundation Course in Newspaper Journalism, and a 12-week intensive block release college course during their first year. The NCTJ has, in recent years, loosened its original formal ties with the industry.
Basic communication skills are an essential part of business and public life, and the ability to write crisp, clear reports, speeches and copy can help advance company and career prospects. Since developing a web site 18 months ago, the NCTJ now receives thousands of hits a month, many from overseas.
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