A JOURNALISM cadetship at The Herald and Weekly Times can be the start of a rewarding career with a world-class media organisation – HWT is a division of the News Corporation, which has extensive interests in print and electronic media around the world.

Opportunities to progress are great for those who believe in quality journalism and in serving the needs and interests of their community.

While we understand that cadetship aspirants rightly apply to as many media outlets as possible and that some tertiary institutions recommend particular outlets over others, you should be aware that HWT looks for candidates who are genuinely interested in working for its newspapers and who are likely to have a long-term future in the organisation.

HWT accepts applications from university and VCE graduates. Usually, applications close on September 30 each year. However, this is subject to review according to staffing needs and potential applicants are welcome to inquire about possibilities at any time. It is not possible to confirm how many cadetships HWT will offer until late November.

Since 2006, Leader Community Newspapers has shared in this cadetship selection process. Candidates do not need to apply to Leader separately but may if they wish. Applicants for cadetships at HWT also will be considered for any vacancies at Leader.

At the time of first contacting us, applicants should include a resume and any examples of their written work, published or otherwise. Before considering the applications we will ask applicants to complete an exercise to determine their level of interest in working for HWT newspapers and to test their knowledge of the way news is covered in those newspapers (a preliminary assignment will be sent to applicants after September 30).

Based on the initial application, on examples of written work and on the preliminary assignment, several applicants will be invited to sit our cadetship assessment test (usually towards the end of October).

The assessment test has four main parts: Basic English (spelling, punctuation, grammar etc), general and current affairs knowledge (including media knowledge), story writing and special interests.

From the assessment test results a number of candidates are chosen for interview by the editors’ selection panel (usually in late November). Sometimes a preliminary interview may be held. Successful candidates will be offered cadetships and will be required to begin work in the first week of January.

From the beginning of 2001 HWT has been operating a cadetship program online as part of News Limited's national approach to journalism training. News Limited is the Australian division of the News Corporation. The program includes online tutorials and exercises.

The HWT component includes an induction program with our cadet supervisor and the input of senior journalists and other personnel. The program includes familiarisation with the company, our policies and our journalism practices. After induction, cadets are assigned to our various publications and departments within them on a three-month rotating roster for the rest of the year.

Their shifts will sometimes involve weekend work and night work.

Cadets will work beside and/or assist more senior journalists and will be given time each week to undertake the training program, which also includes shorthand instruction.

Graduates of tertiary courses in appropriate studies will begin as third-year cadets. VCE graduates usually begin as first-year cadets.

If graduate cadets successfully complete the first-year program (including shorthand requirements) they will be classified as Grade One at the beginning of the following year. VCE graduates who begin as first-year cadets will be promoted to second year if they successfully complete the first year.

In the first instance, applicants should send a letter of application (with references if available), CV and any examples of their original written work (published or unpublished) no later than September 30 each year, to:

Debbie Baron
Editorial Office Manager
PO Box 14999
MELBOURNE CITY MC VIC 8001

INTERNSHIPS
Journalism

Students enrolled in journalism and/or communication courses at RMIT, Melbourne, Deakin and Monash universities have the opportunity to undertake an internship within the editorial departments of The Herald & Weekly Times.

These placements are co-ordinated by the designated university authority and the Editorial Office Manager of the Herald Sun. Priority is given to students enrolled in these courses. Students enrolled in courses other than journalism can apply for an internship. However, places are limited.
Applications are to be made to the Editorial Office Manager and should include a brief resume illustrating interest in journalism, area of interest, samples of original written work and preferred dates for placement.

These placements are also conditional upon approval from the university. Appropriate paperwork for personal liability must be received from the university before placement can commence.

Internships are undertaken in the final year of study and are non-paying positions.

Photography
Students enrolled in university or college photography courses have the opportunity to undertake an internship within the pictorial departments of The Herald & Weekly Times. These placements are co-ordinated by the designated university authority and the Editorial Office Manager of the Herald Sun.

Priority is given to students enrolled in these courses. Students enrolled in courses other than photography can apply for an internship. However, places are limited.

Applications are to be made to the Editorial Office Manager and should include a brief resume illustrating interest in photography and samples of original work. These placements are also conditional upon approval from the university. Appropriate paperwork for personal liability must be received from the university before placement can begin.

Internships are undertaken in the final year of study and are non-paying positions.

Contact Debbie Baron on 9292 2304 for further information.