Applications Open for 2026 Journalism Graduate Programme.

Learning Waves is delighted to announce that applications are now open for its award winning Journalism Graduate Programme. The programme will see 10 graduates placed across 10 Independent Radio Stations for a period of 5 months beginning September 2026. The programme involves plenty of hands-on training which will equip the students with the skills to work in the different departments of a radio station, such as the newsroom, current affairs, and sports department. The graduates will be assigned a mentor in their radio station who will guide them through their training journey. In parallel to their work in the radio station, they will also take part in a training programme run by Learning Waves.

The graduates will be financially supported financially by Coimisiún na Meán, Learning Waves Members and Learning Waves.

During the programme in 2025 graduates got the opportunity to create and present content looking at the areas of Sustainability, Irish Language and/or Diversity and Inclusion.  The content had to be unique to the station in which the graduates were working and there had to be a commitment from the radio stations to broadcast the content. 

In addition to having the opportunity to create and broadcast content, graduates can also avail of the opportunity to obtain a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism on successful completion of the programme.  The programme is certified by the London College of Music and graduates in addition to securing employment now also have an additional qualification on successful completion of the programme.  The programme won the Best Graduate Development Initiative at the Learning and Development Awards in 2023. 

Of the ten graduates who took part in the programme in 2025, 9 are now working full-time in the Independent Radio Sector in Ireland.  Graduates are now employed in the following stations :

• Midlands 103 
• LMFM
• Newstalk
• Radio Kerry
• Galway Bay FM 
• Shannonside
• Clare FM 
• East Coast FM

To apply for the programme go to : https://www.learningwaves.ie/journalism-graduate-programme  Closing date for applications is Friday 12th June 2026.  

Feedback from previous graduates is below.

"The programme has been a 'life changing' experience that significanlty boosted my confidence and professional skillset.  Prior to entering the programme, I doubted my ability to secure a role in a national radio station.  Through the mentorship of Teresa Hanratty and Garrett Harte, I developed into a confident and capable broadcast journalist", Laura Kelly, Newstalk.

"Coming into the programme, I had limited confidence but the trust placed in me and the support of the team at Ocean FM allowed me to thrive.  The opportunity to present a sports show and produce a piece on autism accessiblity was a career highlight.  The programme has fundamentally transformed my life path, moving from retail to launching a professional career in broadcasting", Sean McLoughlin, Ocean FM

"The Journalism Graduate Programme allowed was a 'truly transformative opportunity' for me, allowing me to transition from academic study into the professional world of journalism.  The supportive environment boosted my self confidence and helped me to rapidly develop my skills", Tara Byrne, Live 95FM.