ACM is recruiting for the 12-month traineeship program, which debuted last year and saw 10 young journalists kickstart their careers in dynamic, multimedia newsrooms.

The cadetship equips reporters with experience in all facets of news, from national and local politics to regional sports and crime, incorporating traditional skills as well as new and innovative ways of storytelling.

Trainees have the opportunity to experiment with data visualisation, audio, video, and photography, with mentoring from experts in the field.

ACM managing director Tony Kendall said it was the best place to start a journalism career in Australia, proven by the success of the 2022 traineeship.

"The trainee program is highly competitive for good reason. Our 2022 trainees have covered national breaking news and hyper local stories that serve and build the regional communities where they live," Mr Kendall said.

"I can't wait to see what our 2023 editorial trainees achieve."

Unrivalled journalism experience

The 2022 ACM trainees said the variety of news they covered during the program gave them unrivalled journalism experience, with the opportunity to file stories for local and regional audiences and rotate through the national digital news desk.

William Huynh, at the Warrnambool Standard in regional Victoria, has covered local stories, breaking news, a federal election, sport and is currently working on the mastheads's state election coverage.

Mr Huynh said the sheer diversity of experience sets the traineeship apart from other programs.

"The trainee role is such a rewarding experience because you get a taste of so many different parts of the industry in your first year," he said.

Tim Piccione, the Wagga-based trainee at The Daily Advertiser, said working at a regional newspaper gave him on-the-ground experience unrivalled in entry-level metropolitan journalism programs.

"I remember when I was studying, a lot of really good journalists told me the same thing, which was 'go out to the country to work for a regional newspaper. Cut your teeth out there. It's extremely rewarding'," Mr Piccione said.

Forging lasting connections

Living and working in the same regional community means journalists can fully immerse themselves in the local issues that matter, said Launceston-based trainee Bec Pridham.

"It's so special to be able to live and be a part of the community in such an intimate way that you might not get in the big city, so I can't speak highly enough of it," she said.

"What I've been able to do in regional Australia is truly incredible. It really doesn't compare to the metropolitan newsrooms."

For Mr Hunyh, the opportunity to connect with other early-career journalists, to learn from and alongside each other, was invaluable.

"You'll also be under the guidance of arguably one of the best trainers in the business and you'll also be working alongside other budding journalists who you'll no doubt forge lasting connections with like our group has this year," he said.

Apply now

Mr Piccione urged young journalists to take the leap and apply for the 2023 ACM traineeship.

"I know it's a big life decision to uproot yourself, but it's absolutely worth it," he said.

ACM's 2023 editorial trainee positions are being offered in Canberra, Newcastle, Wodonga, Launceston, Wollongong, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Tamworth, Bendigo and Wagga Wagga.

Apply for the program here.

Rosie Bensley is a 2022 ACM trainee at the Illawarra Mercury in Wollongong, NSW.