Funding for radio graduate 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.

Following her BA in Journalism from Griffith College and HND Media from Ballyfermot, Fiona Cooney from Nenagh was chosen for the Learning Waves Graduate Programme. On her experience, Fiona said: “The experience for me was vital. I’m a little older than your typical graduate, so getting your foot in the door can be a little harder, but this has been fantastic. I’ve received industry experience within a very supportive programme.”

The Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme is designed and supported by the Independent Commercial Radio Sector along with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and Skillnet Ireland.