The Age on the hunt for the next generation of passionate journalists

The Age is seeking aspiring and early-career journalists for 12-month traineeships in its Melbourne newsroom.

It is a rare opportunity for the next generation of journalists to hone their craft alongside award-winning reporters and editors, with a strong focus on developing breaking news and digital skills.

Reaching 5.28 million readers each month, The Age is Victoria’s most widely read masthead and a leader in digital innovation, delivering trusted journalism across politics, sport, business, and culture.

Traineeship applications are open here and close on Sunday, October 18. The program will begin in February, with the potential to secure a permanent role when it concludes.

Age editor Patrick Elligett said The Age takes its responsibility to nurture the next generation of journalistic talent seriously. “It’s important for our masthead, our industry and our society that we continue to produce reporters with the standards of rigour and quality The Age strives to uphold,” he said.

Angus Delaney, who was appointed state political reporter in July, was one of five trainees at The Age in 2024. He said the traineeship helped him develop the skills he needed to pursue his interest in political journalism.

“It was an opportunity to learn from the best journalists and editors in Australia, and build my experience on how to break news stories across a wide range of departments in the newsroom,” Delaney said. “The Age is very supportive of hungry, young journalists wanting to build their core skills to make it in this industry.”

A highlight for him was being assigned to Parliament House in Canberra during last year’s federal election campaign. “The Age has really allowed me to pursue my passions, and now I get to report on the biggest issues affecting our state.”

Hannah Kennelly was a trainee in the same 2024 intake and now works as a sports reporter with The Age. She was sent to cover the Commonwealth Games in Scotland this year.

“The traineeship was incredibly comprehensive and allowed me to experience different sections of journalism, under the fantastic mentorship of senior reporters in the newsroom,” Kennelly said. “My career highlight so far would be travelling to Belgium to attend the Spa Grand Prix to interview Oscar Piastri.”

The newsroom is looking for sharp, curious individuals with exceptional writing skills, strong news judgment and a genuine passion for Age journalism. Candidates with skills in breaking news, data journalism, multimedia production and visual storytelling are encouraged to apply.

Cover letters and story pitches must be original and written by the applicants. To be considered, you must already have the right to work and live in Australia lawfully.

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