Helping new talent to kick-start their career

Steve Thompson,

Reach plc, the UK’s largest regional newspaper publisher, has announced the launch of a new “Talent Pool “across its regional Live network, inviting both new graduates and more established journalists to join, as well as students just about to finish their training.

Members of the talent pool will get first sight of new permanent roles and extra available shifts. They will also have free access to Reach Academy’s library of resources, including skills sessions, videos and live networking events.

Skills sessions on a variety of topics , including social best practice, career development and podcasts, will be made available to all Talent Pool members.

Training will both be in-person and virtual and there will be a mix of shifts available in the Talent Pool meaning applicants can work from home or on a specific patch. There will also be guest talks and networking sessions with senior journalists and editors a few times a year.

The Talent Pool has been spearheaded by Audience and Content Director Ed Walker and Senior Editor for Training and Development Steve Thompson, in conjunction with the Inclusion team.

Steve (pictured) commented: “The Reach Talent Pool has been set up with the aim of kick-starting the careers of the brightest and best new journalists and to simplify the process for those freelancers already working with us. We know how hard it can be for talented people to get their foot in the door and hope this will help people build their experience, knowledge and network of contacts while they may still be looking for a permanent role.”

Julie Humphreys, Reach Group Head of Diversity and Inclusion, said: “The Talent Pool represents an important step forward for the diversity of Reach’s editorial talent pipeline, granting dozens of new journalists access to our learning opportunities, as well as giving them the chance to get to know and learn from our senior editors - connections which can be priceless for someone starting their career.  We will work with the NCTJ and the Journalism Diversity Fund, as well as our other partners such as MyGWork, Evenbreak, Vercida and WeAreBlackJournos to ensure our Talent Pool group is truly inclusive.”

Journalists interested in joining the Reach Talent Pool  can do so here.