The first apprentice reporter employed in Iliffe Media Midlands has qualified as a senior reporter, passing her NQJ qualification at the first time of asking.
Maddy Baillie joined Iliffe Media in September 2019, working for the Rutland & Stamford Mercury and its sister newspapers.
Having studied at Stamford High School, Maddy decided university wasn't for her and after spotting an advert for the apprenticeship role at Iliffe Media, she was the successful candidate.
Despite studying for her apprenticeship during the pandemic, she was successful earlier than anticipated and was offered the role of trainee reporter in December 2020.
This week, she got the fantastic news that she had passed her NQJ exam, a nationally recognised qualification from the NCTJ - the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Maddy, now 21, said: "I felt very relieved when I found out I had passed the exams as I was really nervous!
"It has been a great experience so far and I have loved meeting a range of people from across the community.
"The Mercury team has helped me along the journey, teaching me valuable skills, which helped me to pass my exams."
Rutland & Stamford Mercury editor Kerry Coupe added: "It has been a privilege to see Maddy's journey, from a nervous apprentice to the confident and friendly reporter she is today. We're excited to see her continued progression."