PTC is convinced that improving the diversity of the teams that reach out to consumers will have a positive effect on their ability to connect with more diverse groups.
So we’ve launched MagNet.
MagNet extends our vision to make it easy for media owners to engage outstanding new talent. It’s not about quotas or headcounts. Nor is it positive discrimination – there are no job guarantees.
It is about giving a student every opportunity to overcome any barrier caused by his or her racial group. It builds on the existing partnership with PTC-accredited journalism courses and helps employers cherry-pick the best and brightest new talent.
PPA members are already involved in projects that promote diversity in the workforce; MagNet simply extends their reach and supports them by providing great links to high quality trainee journalists.
MagNet will run for one year. It is available to final year and postgraduate ethnic minority students studying on PTC accredited courses. Students apply; mentors volunteer; PTC does the matching and provides training and on-going support.
Mentors spend at least one hour a month with their mentee; review and give feedback on the mentee’s work; provide one week's work placement; arrange a work shadowing day; and arrange one networking opportunity.
Students commit to launching their own blog and pitching and writing one feature idea for their mentor’s brand.
Ultimately, the sector’s workforce will be made up of the very best available talent, irrespective of ethnicity. But MagNet will make it easier for employers to engage with talented black and minority ethnic students. Which we believe is good for our community and good for business.
To find out more and to sign up for the MagNet newsletter please get in touch.
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PTC's MagNet programme has been developed in association with Shine Media.
