Frequently Asked Questions

At our core, The Reporters’ Academy is all about work experience but we do things a little differently compared to traditional high school work experience weeks.

Weaved into all our projects are opportunities for young people to have a go in the real world, apply their new skills learned in a professional setting and create a unique C.V. We ensure all the young people that work with us get access to real life work experiences opportunities with us on our on location filming commissions. It’s very exciting!

If you are looking for somewhere to go for your work experience week as part of a school year 10 request, unfortunately we don’t support this type of placement, unless from a young person already known to us.

How much does it cost for young people to participate?
Nothing at all—because we believe young people should never be limited by financial barriers. Our training is entirely free for young people, thanks to the generous support of grants, sponsorships, and commissions. We are committed to creating opportunities for all, ensuring that as many people can access our inspiring programmes as possible, gain invaluable skills, and unlock their full potential—without cost standing in the way.

How is your training funded?
We power our training through a dynamic mix of grants, sponsorships, and creative commissions. By securing funding from forward-thinking foundations and like-minded organisations, we ensure our weekly sessions continue to inspire and empower.

Our commissions—where businesses hire us to produce professional content—are a game-changer. They fuel our renowned, high-quality training programs, and give our young crew hands-on industry experience. Through real-world projects, they build standout CVs, discover their passions, and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Since 2011 we have worked hard to invest in young people—whether from commissions, sponsorships, or successful grant bids— they all helps us deliver training that is fun, aspirational, and truly life-changing.

How do I arrange training for my group?

It’s easy! Just reach out to us through our website home page or drop us an email Enquiry@TheReportersAcademy.com —we’d love to connect. Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll put together a tailored training plan that fits your participant’s needs.

Our founders, Katy and Glyn launched this not-for-profit as volunteers with the big ambition for young people, to be the first-ever youth journalists accredited for The Olympic Games in London. Wow… did we achieve it, and so much more…

• youth impacted across the globe,
• team of 10 staff and freelancers,
• 2 Olympic Games
• 15 major events
• & 1500 young people later.

The Reporters’ Academy is now an award-winning organisation – with the same mega ambitions.

We continue to honour our roots by producing an Olympic themed podcast ‘After the Flame’, you may have also heard about our travel around the globe working with young people from a variety of Olympic nations – Samoa, Fiji, Palau, Australia…The Reporters’ Academy: Where Youth Produce!

What types of services do you offer businesses?

We specialise in creating meaningful films that tell powerful stories, highlight impactful work, and communicate a greater message. Our clients often include charities, non profits, and organisations with strong corporate social responsibility initiatives. We have been commissioned by wonderful clients such as NHS England, Olympic partners, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Barnardos, Housing Trusts and The King’s Trust.

We also provide staff training in:

• Content creation for social media.
• Filmmaking using mobile phones.
• Using LinkedIn effectively for personal branding and professional growth.
• As well as a hive of activities for team building or away days 

What makes your services unique?
Our services are delivered by industry professionals, often includes exclusive access to high profile events, venues and directly supports our mission to empower young people through media.

• Where do you deliver the training?
  We can host your team at MediaCity, providing behind-the-scenes access, or travel to your location.
• How long are the training or away days?
  Training sessions can be tailored to suit your needs, from half a day to full days.
• Can the training be customised?
  Absolutely. We work with organisations to create bespoke programmes that meet your team’s goals and interests.
• How much does the training cost?
  Costs vary depending on the scope of the training and your specific requirements. Contact us for a quote tailored to your needs. 
• How do comercial contributions help our non profit organisation?
  All funding or fees from our corporate training sessions are reinvested into our training programmes for young people. This supports their recruitment, training, equipment, and unique learning experiences.

These sessions offer the best value when booked by a school or youth group, with a maximum of 30 attendees. We understand that many individuals are also eager to explore behind the scenes and meet the people who bring MediaCity to life. To accommodate this, we will be offering sessions that individuals can book onto. Please complete the enquiry form on our homepage, and we will add your name to our waiting list.

*update – we have launched our summer camp dates for 2025, 11th,13th & 14th August. Please use the booking form above to secure places.

Yes, although…our team is often out filming around the world! We have designated Wednesdays and Thursdays as the day to pre-book our time. However, if you would like to suggest another date, please email or use the contact form to share your preferred dates,  contact details and we’ll get in touch to arrange an alternative.

Tours@TheReportersAcademy.com

Your payment covers our team’s time, from planning and organising the visit to delivering a high-quality experience. Plus, a portion of the fee goes towards funding our long-term training programmes, giving young people across Greater Manchester access to valuable opportunities. By booking this time with us, you are benefiting your own participants and you’re helping support the next generation of young people across Greater Manchester.

We will send you all the details once you have selected and purchased your preferred experience.

The Reporters’ Academy is a not for profit media production company with a mission (to change the lives of young people). We’ve been based at Mediacity since 2013.

We are a self proclaimed bridge—helping local young people step into the heart of this world-class media hub and access experiences that will shape their futures.

Every week, we run hands-on training sessions, bringing young people into the industry’s most exciting spaces, including the cutting-edge facilities at Dock10. Our friends at MediaCity, Dock10 Studios see us as a vital link, making behind-the-scenes access possible and introducing the next generation to the brilliant professionals who bring MediaCity to life. (You may have landed on this page because Dock10 signposted you to us).

When the BBC moved to Salford in 2012, it was about breaking down barriers, decentralising the industry, and ensuring opportunities reached beyond London. A decade on, we’re proud to be part of that legacy—making sure local young people continue to be at the heart of MediaCity’s future.

If you are experiencing any problems booking an experience at MediaCity with us. Please send an email to Tours@TheReportersAcademy.com or fill the contact form on our homepage.