A group of News Associates and The School of Journalism trainees got the opportunity to network with top names in journalism at the exclusive London Press Club Ball.

The ball took place on Friday October 6 at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, and our undergraduate and postgraduate trainees got to dress to impress and connect with journalists from across the industry.

Every year, the London Press Club Ball invites editors, correspondents and presenters to get together and celebrate the achievements of journalists, with proceeds going to the London Press Club and the Journalists’ Charity.

News Associates fast-track trainee Jethro Robathan said: “It was really exciting to go to the London Press Club Ball, I loved socialising with my News Associates course mates outside the classroom.

“The ball was great fun with plenty of networking opportunities with all sorts of journalists across the industry. It was inspiring to be part of such a large event!”

Part-time trainee Effie Webb: “The ball was a tonne of fun and a real insight into journalism and the media.

“I really enjoyed chatting with legendary journalists and other News Associates trainees I hadn’t had the chance to meet yet!”

The School of Journalism trainee Izi Thornley said: “The ball motivated me to network and make connections that I will carry with me throughout my career.”

@newsassociates_ #TeamNA trainee Poppy Lindsey takes us behind the scenes of the London Press Club Ball 2023 🤩 #StartedHere #NewsAssociates #NCTJCourse #LondonPressClubBall ♬ last friday night sped up full song – yes

Fast-track trainee Caitlin Chatterton said: “It was great to speak to other News Associates trainees on other courses and hear from alumni now working at so many prominent publications.”

Fellow fast-track trainee Gracie Daw said: “I had a excellent time at the London Press Club Ball, it was great to see so many people from within the industry and have conversations about their careers.

“It certainly got me excited to see where my studies at News Associates can take me.”

@newsassociates_ #TeamNA trainee Poppy Lindsey takes us behind the scenes of the London Press Club Ball 2023 🤩 #StartedHere #NewsAssociates #NCTJCourse #LondonPressClubBall ♬ last friday night sped up full song – yes

Part-time trainee Eleanor Gunn said: “I thought Alastair Campbell’s speech would be the best part of the evening, but getting to know the other trainees from News Associates who I wouldn’t otherwise have met also exceeded my expectations.”

News Associates editorial development director Lucy Dyer said: “It was great to see our trainees enjoy a night of networking at the London Press Club Ball.

“We’re really pleased to be able to offer these opportunities as part of their journalism training with us.”

Sign up for our free journalism workshops to network with journalists, meet our team and get a taster for our NCTJ training.