The Fred Sillence Bursary
| About the Bursary | How to Apply | About Fred Sillence | Bursary Winners |
What is the Fred Sillence Bursary
Fred Sillence
The Fred Sillence Bursary is a grant available to students embarking on a journalism course at Harlow College, in memory of Fred Sillence, who edited the Royston Crow from 1965 to 1981 and who died in August 1999.
Journalism is a demanding career but if you are looking for a challenge in a job that is never mundane, it may be for you.
One of the best routes into the business is to complete one of the pre-entry courses accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
Archant Herts & Cambs recruits students who have completed such courses. We have an enviable record in continuing the training in a working environment.
The company commitment to training has been enhanced by a bursary in memory of Fred Sillence, who edited the Royston Crow from 1965 to 1981 and who died in August 1999.
This award for a student undertaking one of the journalism courses at Harlow College is worth £500.
How to apply for the bursary
To be eligible to apply for the bursary, your family home must be in the circulation area of one of the Archant Herts & Cambs titles and you must be accepted for a journalism course at Harlow College.
All applicants will be interviewed by a special panel in late spring/early summer and the winner announced before the NCTJ course starts in September.
The award winner will join Archant Herts & Cambs on successful completion of the course, with a guaranteed job as a trainee reporter in one of our offices. However, the grant will have to be repaid if the course is not completed, if the trainee does not join Archant Herts & Cambs or if he/she does not complete a minimum of 12 months service with the company.
So, what do you do next?
You must make an application through the normal channels at the NCTJ for one of the courses starting in September.
The NCTJ can be contacted at:
Latton Bush Centre, Southern Way, Harlow, Essex CM18 7BL
Telephone:
Fax:
E-mail:
The person who looks after admissions is Marie Baker.
All applicants will be required to sit a test at Harlow College.
If you would like more information about the college, please contact Chris Whittome, Ros Johnson or Liza Donaldson in the journalism department.
Telephone:
E-mail:
E-mail:
To find out more about the bursary...
Contact Mike Almond
Archant Herts & Cambs, Heath House, Princes Mews, Royston, Herts SG8 9RT
Tel:
Fax:
E-mail:
The training continues...
Once the successful applicant joins Archant Herts & Cambs or Archant Norfolk, final qualification will be through the Level 4 National Vocational Qualification in Newspaper Journalism (Writing).
This is achieved through on-the-job assessment. The trainee puts together a portfolio of evidence of competence, which doubles as a collection of his or her best work. It also includes testimonials from work colleagues and any certificates obtained, plus responses to questions covering a wide-ranging knowledge of relevant newspaper law, public affairs and ethics.
The portfolio is assessed regularly by a senior journalist until it is complete, and the successful trainee receives a nationally recognised certificate. Level 4 NVQs are of degree standard.
Attributes required
To make a success in journalism, you will need to demonstrate the following attributes:
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dedication and determination
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resourcefulness
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tact
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an ability to get on with people from all walks of life
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willingness to accept irregular hours and long working days
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an ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
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Only candidates who accept and welcome all this can be considered for training.