Where Are They Now?

	Jo Adetunji Jo studied the fast-track course in newspaper journalism at Lambeth College. She gained a distinction in the portfolio element of her qualification and passed the 100wpm shorthand exam. After working at the Guardian she is now freelancing.
	Chinwe Akomah Chinwe studied the postgraduate diploma in journalism at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. She is now employed by the Congleton Chronicle.
	Melissa Allison-Forbes Melissa studied MA Journalism at Kingston University. She said she really enjoyed the course and has since launched her own magazine - Krystal Magazine - aimed at young black women in the UK.
	Yasmin Barracks Yasmin completed the fast-track course in journalism at Harlow College and despite suffering from an illness called Systemic Lupus, which can affect mobility and mental state, Yasmin is determined to fulfil her dream of becoming a journalist. She is currently working as a freelance journalist.
	Kim Carmichael Kim started an MA in journalism at the University of Sunderland in September 2007. She passed all her exams, including shorthand at 100 wpm, and, following work experience at Press Association, The Shields Gazette and the Newcastle Journal, she has secured a job as a trainee reporter at the Newcastle Journal.
	Kelly Colson Kelly was awarded a bursary for the NCTJ academic year course at Warwick College. Kelly completed work experience at Chronicle and Echo in Northampton, the Rugby Times and the Evening Telegraph before her journalistic skills helped her land a job as a researcher for a science-based company. She is also seeking freelance writing work for magazines to build on her experience.
	Jennifer Coombes Jennifer completed the MA in newspaper journalism at the University of Sheffield. She is now a trainee reporter at the Ilford Recorder newspaper. "The JDF bursary was invaluable, as it gave me access to high class training that I otherwise might not have been able to have."
	Rosemary Davenport Rosemary started for an MA at the University of Salford and received some useful work experience including time at the Newark Advertiser, the Accrington Observer and the South Manchester Reporter. She is now a trainee reporter at the Lincolnshire Echo.
	Dal Farah Dal found the NCTJ course at Lambeth really useful and informative. He said: “I would like to extend my thanks to the Journalism Diversity Fund because without their support it would not have been possible.” He is now working as a community initiatives officer at the Octavia Foundation, a charity based in west London. His job involves developing young people's skills in media; from editorial skills to public speaking and interview techniques.
	Karen Fazackerly Karen completed the fast-track course at Darlington College. "As soon as I finished my college course in February 2008 I was offered a position at The Press Association as a casual Sports' journalist. In June I was awarded with a two-year traineeship working on the sports desk which feeds news stories to Sky Sports, the BBC and many national newspapers, which is exactly the form of employment I set out to achieve when I undertook my course."
	Adele Forrest Adele said her training at Norton College, Sheffield was excellent. "The course was very well run and structured. Their shorthand teaching is very effective and I achieved my 100wpm early. She now works at the Denbighshire Free Press.
	Harvey Hook After coming from a construction-based working background Harvey completed the NCTJ in photojournalism at the Norton College in Sheffield. He is now working for an international news agency and has had a lot of his work published in national titles. He said: "Without the JDF I would not have been able to complete my course and in turn would not have benefited from the industry doors that became open as a result. I believe many people in the UK persist in jobs which do them no justice because of the costs of re-training. I am proud that with the JDF's help I was able to break this pattern."
	Christina Johnson After completing her MA in newspaper journalism at Nottingham Trent University, Christina was successful in securing the job of Journalism Diversity Intern at the NCTJ. In this role she organised, promoted and administered all aspects of the Journalism Diversity Fund. She will take on a trainee reporter position for the Luton & Dunstable Express in January 2010.
	Nina Kelly Nina studied the full-time fast-track course at noSWeat Journalism Training and finished in February 2008. She has been interning and freelancing for Time Out and the Guardian since then. She has also started as a full-time reporter position at financial information company Lafferty, in Hammersmith.
	David Menon David completed a postgraduate diploma in newspaper journalism at the University of Central Lancashire. He said: "The bursary was extremely useful because completing this course has significantly boosted my chances of becoming a successful journalist." David is now working at the Woking News and Mail .
	Claire O'Callaghan Claire is now a full time broadcast journalist for the fastest growing radio station in Ireland, 'i102104' in Galway. She found the MA in Journalism at the University of Ulster challenging but incredibly beneficial and now uses what she learnt in her job everyday. Her placement with BBC Northern Ireland as part of the course has her well rehearsed in what it takes to be a professional Broadcast Journalist. Funding from the Journalism Diversity Fund contributed hugely to her ability to complete the course and placement and also held great weight in securing her current job.
	Hayley O’Keeffe When Hayley finished her course at noSWeat she found work at the Johnston Press title; Bedford Times and Citizen. Hayley has enjoyed working on a number of nationally recognised stories, particularly the Bedford mayoral election following the death of former newspaper man Frank Branston. In October Hayley received an award from her former college for the best news story over the centre’s ten year history. Hayley said: "Being a reporter is the best job in the world and I can’t believe how lucky I am to go to work and do something I enjoy every day."
	Eimhéar O’Neill Eimhear studied a Masters in Journalism at the University of Ulster, Coleraine, and is now working as a current affairs/investigative journalist with Belfast company Below the Radar. This company was bought by Bob Geldof in January and is part of the Ten Alps subsidiary. She said she is enjoying the job immensely.
	Ashionye Ogene Ashionye was awarded a bursary to study at noSWeat Journalism Training. She said: "The NCTJ qualification is like an invisible press badge. Once you tell people you have it, along with experience, doors are opened that would have previously been closed." She is now working at ITN as an assistant news editor.
	Kevin Rawlinson Kevin completed the MA in Newspaper Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. He then started working shifts on the Independent news desk. After a few months he was given a contract and now works as the home news editorial assistant, where he is expected to keep the desk running as well as pitch and write news and features.
	Daniel Smith Daniel said the NCTJ course at the Scottish Centre for Journalism Studies in Glasgow was incredibly useful in teaching him a diverse range of disciplines, vital to a journalistic career. After writing a number of freelance articles for a lifestyle and entertainment website called realbuzz.com, he secured employment with them as deputy entertainment and sports editor.
	Alexander Willmott Alexander passed all his NCTJ exams plus 80wpm shorthand at the Sheffield College. He has now secured a trainee reporter position with the Lancashire Telegraph.
	Simone Yates Simone found the News Associates course on the NCTJ website and thought it was the best route for her. As a busy mum she needed a way of funding the course whilst still being able to pay for her mortgage. She said: "I was lucky enough to get the fees paid for and the additional bursary each month helped with expenses and living costs. At the moment I am looking for a job but in the mean time I am writing freelance articles and pitching them to various newspapers and magazines."