Toi Mai Workforce Development Council is supporting a work-based journalism pilot programme delivered by Wintec that will combine classroom learning and a 300-hour paid internship with national media organisations.

“We have partnered with Wintec because the media industry told us journalism students need more hands-on newsroom experience to ensure they are work ready and resilient when they graduate,” says Dr Claire Robinson, Te Tumu o Toi | Toi Mai Chief Executive.

“This will be the only vocational Level 5 diploma programme of its kind in the country, with most journalism training currently degree-level study. Industry told us they want graduates with more work-based training and the real-world experience they need in the fast-changing media environment.

“Our support means Hamilton-based Wintec can offer two to three-months paid work for journalism students as part of their study, where they will gain valuable skills and insight into a modern newsroom and be paid the living wage.”

Dr Robinson says there has been strong interest from leading print, digital and broadcast media organisations around the country wanting to take part.

Wintec Group Director Sam Cunnane said it had been a positive process working with Toi Mai on the initiative. “The new programme is the culmination of ongoing discussion with Toi Mai and industry, as well as Wintec’s own academic review.”

Cunnane said that Wintec had advocated for increased credits for work-based learning in the diploma to enable students to have more time in media newsrooms. “It’s satisfying to see this reflected in the new programme design, and to have Toi Mai offer a generous paid pilot for 2026 to trial the new approach.”

The programme has been endorsed by Toi Mai and is currently with NZQA for approval to deliver in 2026. Programme coordinator Cate Prestidge said it was exciting to see the course come together. “Industry have told us they are keen to take on cadets but are often constrained by resources for training. It was important to develop a programme of supported on-campus education while also giving industry substantial input in the final term through on the job training in the regions or in larger centres”

Dr Robinson says the recent journalism workforce development plan, Ngā Awa Kōrero, produced by Toi Mai with extensive industry engagement highlighted it is vital New Zealand has a strong journalism industry to support a healthy democracy and that means offering relevant training that attracts more learners.

“Toi Mai has spent the past four years developing ways to facilitate work-based learning for the industries it covers, including journalism, within the current vocational education and training system settings.

“We are being disestablished at the end of 2025, so will support the setup of this pilot programme and then pass it to the Electrotechnology and Information Technology Industry Skills Board to work with Wintec and potentially other vocational education providers to evaluate ways to develop ongoing viable work-based learning for journalism.”

Read more about the pilot programme.

The New Zealand Diploma in Journalism (Level 5) is subject to final NZQA approval.