Mayo student sees benefit of the Learning Waves graduate employment programme

Ireland's independent commercial radio industry training body, Learning Waves, has secured funding for their 2022 graduate programme, which will see 10 graduates from across Ireland offered valuable positions in the sector.

The 2022 programme follows on from the success of the 2019 and 2021 graduate programme, where 10 journalism graduates were placed in 10 different radio stations for a period of five months.

Such was the success of that programme that funding has been awarded for the 2022 programme. Applications for the 2022 intake are open now at https://www.learningwaves.ie/journalism-graduate-programme.

The Learning Waves journalism graduate programme offers placements across national, regional and local radio stations, granting students the opportunity to stay within their locality and walk a beat they’re already familiar with. In the past, Learning Waves have secured roles in Newstalk, Ocean FM, Cork’s Red FM, Off the Ball and Clare FM. Graduates receive a monthly payment of €1,500 for five months while they are on placement.

These practical roles present students with unique and rewarding challenges after their studies, bypassing the coffee-run internships in favour of hands-on learning experiences. Students learn to work on their own initiative and to become comfortable with industry-standard studio equipment.

Tommy Stenson from Mayo was placed with Shannonside following his graduation from BA in Communications Studies, DCU.

Tommy said: “The graduate programme has been a huge benefit to me. It’s given me the skills and knowledge to play a vital role in a fast-paced newsroom environment. They have fantastic modules covering everything from voice training to personal development.”

On completion of the internship, Tommy was offered a full-time position at Shannonside.

Speaking about the launch of the programme, the CEO of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), Celene Craig, commented: “The BAI is delighted to once again provide funding support for the journalism graduate programme, which sees successful participants avail of 10 internships at radio stations across the country. Such partnerships between broadcasters, trainers and educators help foster accurate and reliable journalism while also enabling graduates to gain practical skills and experience, and learn about the broadcasting industry.

“The aim of this year’s programme to develop content that focuses on key issues such as diversity, climate change and sustainability, is very relevant to the work of the BAI and we look forward to the valuable insights and learnings arising from this programme. The BAI would like to wish the very best to all those participating.”

The Learning Waves journalism graduate programme is designed and supported by the independent commercial radio sector along with the BAI and Skillnet Ireland. For more information, see the Learning Waves website or email info@learningwaves.ie.