Science writer : Training

Training differs greatly and depends on the organisation. Trainees within large newspaper and magazine organisations normally receive formal training. After an initial probationary period, most trainee journalists follow basic journalism training under the terms of a training contract. Once a journalist has worked for 18 months, they then usually take the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ)  National Certificate Exams (NCE), which qualifies them as a senior journalist. In order to sit these exams, the journalist must first have passed the NCTJ preliminary exams.
 
Journalists in larger organisations may also receive structured training in reporting, writing, proofreading, sub-editing, layout, and design and production.

Writers working for smaller organisations will largely receive informal, on-the-job training. This includes receiving feedback from editors, colleagues and clients, and learning from more experienced colleagues.

All types of writers need to have an open mind and be able to accept criticism, suggestion and be willing to make changes to the way they write. Writers also learn to improve their own writing through regularly reading the work of other good scientific communicators.

It will also be important to keep up to date with any advances in the science industry. Attending science-related conferences and becoming a member of any relevant professional bodies are a way of maintaining an ongoing knowledge of the industry.