Universities are churning out journalism graduates by the year. The National Council for the Training of Journalists is holding regular courses.
But the Daily Mail has decided that "would-be reporters and writers" need to attend a finishing school at the paper itself.
The Mail has advertised in The Guardian jobs section for "bright, sharp, intelligent young writers" to take a year-long course at its own trainee reporters' scheme.
Successful applicants, says the ad, will probably have completed post-graduate journalism training or had experience working in newspapers.
The lure is a chance to work on either the print or online versions of the Mail and "be fast-tracked to the very top."
Anyway, if you know anyone who is keen to take up the offer, they should apply with CV, covering letter, six cuttings, a 200-word news story and 200 words explaining why they want to be a Mail journalist.
The package should then be sent to the estimable Sue Ryan at the Trainee Reporters' Scheme, Daily Mail, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT. The deadline is 21 February.
Hat tip: Fleet Street Blues
