Two more young Bermudians have joined the editorial staff of The Royal Gazette just as one more has come back from intensive journalism training in the UK.

Nadia Arandjelovic, aged 22, and Owain Johnston-Barnes, aged 27, have started as trainee journalists after graduating in July and April from St. Mary's University in London, UK and Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, respectively.

As well as her day-to-day responsibilities, Nadia is the main point of contact for the West End. Owain is the main point of contact for people in the East End, ensuring The Royal Gazette reaches out to all parts of the Island.

Both will be given on-the-job training while they are at the Gazette, and will also be sent by the paper to Newcastle, in the North East of the UK, where they will undergo intensive training under tutors from Britain's Press Association.

The Press Association is an internationally respected national news agency which supplies stories to national and regional UK newspapers.

It runs extensive training for journalists at all levels. The trainee course in Newcastle teaches shorthand, newspaper law, interviewing techniques and how to construct a story. It is regarded as the best multi-media journalism course in the UK.

To be successful, participants must attain 100 words per minute (wpm) in shorthand as well as pass exams in law and government. While there, trainees also get real-life experience working on their own news patch and are trained in video journalism.

Bermudian Mikaela Ian Pearman, who has just taken on the crucial role of Education reporter for The Royal Gazette and who is trained in video reporting, successfully completed the course in May, coming out with 100 wpm and straight As in the other exams.

She is preparing for her senior exams later this year.

She said: "Initially, I was hesitant to go to Newcastle but once the course began, I realised how amazing it was. I learned how to write shorthand, became a legal expert and mastered British politics with the government course.

"I think it's a fantastic opportunity for young Bermudians who are interested in journalism."

Mikaela was the fifth Bermudian that The Royal Gazette sponsored to go to Newcastle.

Bermudian Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch, who has taken on the equally crucial role of our tourism reporter and who is also trained in video reporting, also graduated from Newcastle. She obtained her senior reporter qualifications in 2007. She was also awarded the title of 2009's Best Print Journalist, by The Bermudian magazine.

Ruth said: "The course is a great opportunity for young Bermudians to be exposed to international reporting standards. On my course I competed for stories against people who worked for The Times, The Telegraph and The Mirror as well as regional papers across the UK.

"Nadia and Owain will benefit from the course and return as stronger and more confident reporters."

Bermudians Robyn Skinner who has since left the paper to travel and Sam Stevens who is now studying law in the UK have also completed the course.