The BRATs 2014 programme is officially open for applications – and you could win a trip to Scotland!

IN case you haven’t heard, the BRATs young journalist programme is back for another year of awesome workshops and field assignments, and one lucky BRAT will even get a chance to represent Malaysia at the Aye Write! Future News international young journalists’ conference in Glasgow, Scotland!

To find out how you can apply, log on to facebook.com/starbrats. Deadline for applications is March 1.

What is BRATs?

BRATs is The Star’s young journalist programme, organised by R.AGE. We select 120 aspiring journalists every year, aged 16-19, who then attend one of three BRATs workshops (4D3N) held across the country.

The workshops are all about practical training, facilitated by journalists, photographers and videographers from The Star. Participants will get actual field assignments – visiting tourist destinations, interviewing famous personalities, sampling the city’s local cultures and traditions, etc.

They’ll learn stuff like writing skills, interviewing skills, photography, videography, social media reporting and so much more. Of course, they’ll also meet like-minded people and have a whole lotta of fun!

Once they complete the workshop, the participants then join our BRATs pool of teen journalists, who regularly cover stories, interviews and events across the country for our weekly BRATs section right here in R.AGE.

What is the Future News Conference?

Think of it as a global version of the BRATs – 300 aspiring journalists from around the world will be brought to Glasgow for masterclasses from some of the world’s leading journalists. And we, the BRATs, will be sending the best BRATs 2014 applicant to join in the party, thanks to the British Council. All expenses paid! The conference will be held on April 14-16.

Just like the BRATs, the Future News Conference hopes to educate a new generation of responsible, dedicated and world-changing journalists. You don’t wanna miss out on this!

How do I apply?

Log on to facebook.com/starbrats for a link to download the pre-registration forms.

Applicants have to produce an essay (less than 1,000 words) or video (less than two minutes) on “Why I want to be a journalist”.

Email your forms and essays/videos (videos as a YouTube link) to brats@thestar.com.my, and keep your fingers crossed! Successful applicants will be given information on the workshops after the selection process is complete.

You can also send your essay by snail mail to:

BRATs
Menara Star
15 Jalan 16/11
46350 Petaling Jaya
Selangor

And to make sure you put yourself in the running for the Future News Conference, you’ll also have to complete a separate form and essay for the British Council. The link will be provided together with the BRATs application forms at facebook.com/starbrats.

For more info, email us at brats@thestar.com.my.