THREE budding journalists have joined the Post on work experience placements as part of our Get Notts Working campaign.
Tom Surgay, Nathaniel Middleton and Jordan Olifent are helping out in the Post's editorial and newspaper sales departments for two weeks at our Tollhouse Hill offices.
They all hope their experience will help with their search for work in the media.
Tom spent his first morning yesterday interviewing members of the public for a story in the Post.
The 21-year-old, from Hucknall, has been searching for work since finishing a degree in English with journalism in Huddersfield last summer.
He said: "The main problem finding work is getting some experience. That is what all employers want. If you can't get experience then you are really struggling. That is why I am really grateful for this chance.
"I have enjoyed going out and speaking to people and helping out on stories for the paper."
Nathaniel, 22, of Hucknall, is also searching for work as a journalist and has a keen interest in writing features.
With that in mind, the Post sent him out to write an article on Jamie Oliver's city centre restaurant. While he was there, he got to do some pasta tasting.
He said: "It is tough finding a job as a journalist. I have found that out already.
"People say that experience is the most important thing, that is why I am so pleased to be here this week and next.
"I like doing feature-type stories. I had a great morning. That's the kind of work I really want to do. It was great fun."
Jordan, 18, of Carlton, has recently finished a media course at Carlton Academy.
He said: "I've been out interviewing people. I really want to get into the media, especially photography, so this is a great experience."
The Get Notts Working campaign launched earlier this year to try to boost employment rates in the city and county.
After a successful drive to create apprentice posts, we turned our attention to work experience.
We are encouraging employers in the area to offer work experience placements to one or more unemployed people which can either lead to a job there or improve their chances of work elsewhere.
The campaign is run together with the Notts and Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce, Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board, Jobcentre Plus and local councils.
Businesses wanting to get involved should visit www.getnottsworking.co.uk or call 0115 934 9556.
