LUCY Starkie, who is an apprentice with Newsquest in Cumbria, was shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year in the National Council for the Training of Journalists awards held in Essex on Thursday 29 November, hosted by Sarah Hewson of Sky News.
This year’s Awards for Excellence saw a record-breaking number of entries for various categories, with 329 submissions from journalists representing a breadth of education and the media.
Lucy started her NCTJ apprenticeship in September 2017 and combines NCTJ multimedia diploma study at Darlington College with on-the-job training at Workington in Cumbria where she produces content for the Whitehaven News and the Times and Star.
Her work has made the front pages on more than 20 occasions, many of the stories self-sourced.
Newsroom mentor Julie Morgan nominated Lucy for the award. She said: “Unlike most of my previous trainees Lucy arrived in the office without any journalism experience. She has a true journalist’s desire to get to the bottom of a story and is willing to chase down contacts and angles without prompting or hesitation.”
Julie added: “She has transformed from a bright and enthusiastic young trainee to be a determined and dedicated journalist, proficient on all social media platforms.”
Lucy said: “It is a great honour to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award. It was fantastic to have been recognised out of 125 apprentices all over the country.
“I love being a local reporter and think it continues to be an important role in the community. I will continue to listen to the concerns and stories of local people and do the very best I can.”
The 28-year-old, who lives in Whitehaven, added: “I would like to thank my mentors, Julie Morgan and Jenny Barwise, and my college tutor, Sue Calvert for caring about me and the work I do.”
To follow in Lucy’s footsteps, check out journalism training at Darlington College (click here)
