According to the NCTJ the number of registrations from trainees since July is more than double the figure for the same period last year, despite an overall decline
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The number of registrations of journalism trainees onto the National Certificate Examination since July is already more than double that for the same period last year, according to National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Speaking to Journalism.co.uk, a spokesman NCTJ said the council was unable to confirm the exact figures at this stage.
Statistics presented in the industry body's annual report published this month show there were around 205 registrations in total for the body's financial year 2009/2010, which covers the year ending 30 June 2010.
This represents a slight drop on the previous report for 2008/2009 when 230 registrations were recorded, a significant decrease on 2007/2009 when this was 633.
However the number of trainees sitting the NCE rose in 2009/2010 on the previous year, from 525 to 625 and recent registrations for 2010/11 are already showing promise, NCTJ chief executive Joanne Butcher said.
"The number of journalism trainees being recruited into the newspaper industry and students being recruited onto accredited courses was flat last year compared to the previous year.
"Although it is too early to forecast the year ahead the number of recent registrations are currently more than double those in the same period last year.
"The increase in the number of trainees sitting the NCE reflects the higher levels of recruitment of trainees in previous years - trainees sit the NCE after at least 18 months' employment and training."
"We are conscious there has been an over supply of qualified new entrants. However, now that recruitment is picking up what concerns us most is the number of students who do unaccredited courses that do not equip them with the skills editors require or those that recruit students who are not suited to a journalism career," she added.
Within the report the NCTJ also reflects on the introduction of its Diploma in Journalism earlier this year.
A specialism in broadcast journalism is due to be launched within the diploma in September next year and the NCTJ says it will be recruiting pilot centres to deliver the qualification.
"It will cover the additional skills required to operate effectively as a broadcast journalist that are not covered in the diploma's core mandatory subjects," a report by the NCTJ adds. The NCTJ is also preparing a review of the NCE qualification "to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the industry".
"Part of the review will include employer and trainee focus groups to ensure the exam reflects real working practices in the newsroom today," the report adds.
