With the inaugural NCTJ Diploma in Journalism course set to begin at UCFB Wembley, UCFB is delighted to announce its first ever recipient of the Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF).

Raphael Wilson has been awarded the grant which is administered by the NCTJ and aims to encourage people from ethnically and socially diverse backgrounds to train as journalists. The fund is backed by the likes of the Press Association and Reuters, and also aims to ensure diversity is at the top of the agenda throughout the industry and in newsrooms across the country.

The NCTJ qualification has launched the careers of world class reporters and is nationally recognised as the kitemark of quality by employers.

Raphael said: “After graduating from the University of Lincoln with a Journalism degree I found getting into the industry very difficult. I have some previous experience and I write for a website, however taking that next step was proving hard and I was thinking of taking another career path until I found out about UCFB and the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.

“Once I visited the UCFB website I knew I had to apply for the course. I then got an email saying they wanted to invite me to Wembley Stadium where the diploma is being taught. I was delighted.”

He added: “I met the course leader, Roz McKenzie, and she was kind and welcoming. She gave me a tour of the studios and told me all about the course.

“What stood out for me about UCFB was the high percentage of graduates that find employment after their studies, the location and the work experience opportunities.”

Raphael finished: “I cannot wait to get started, and I’m looking forward to the next five months.”

Students on the 20-week NCTJ course at UCFB Wembley must produce a varied portfolio of work as part of the programme, which also includes industry standard modules on shorthand, media law and news reporting. UCFB is also the only fast-track course in the country to offer the NCTJ’s broadcasting module. Alternatively, students can choose options in sports journalism or production journalism.