News Australia opens national cadet program

News Australia has opened applications for its National Editorial Cadet Program, offering 30 paid positions across its metropolitan and regional newsrooms.

The 12-month program is designed to give early-career journalists experience across digital, audio, social and print platforms. Cadets will work across at least four newsrooms, including regional and metropolitan mastheads.

READ MORE: News.com.au launches weekly Gen Z vodcast Unserious

READ MORE: James Packer expands into OnlyFans

Positions are available across News Australia titles including The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Courier-Mail, The Advertiser and news.com.au.

What the cadet program includes

The program begins with a two-week induction covering national newsrooms, editorial purpose and the fundamentals of journalism.

Cadets will then take part in newsroom rotations, hands-on reporting and professional development. Training will include investigative techniques, legal training and the use of AI tools.

News Australia said the program reflects its investment in journalists who will serve communities across the country. The publisher reaches more than 18 million Australians each month, according to Roy Morgan iris data for the 12 months ending March 2026, P14+.

Chris Jones, Editor of The Courier-Mail, began his career as a cadet at the masthead 27 years ago.

“Our purpose is to tell the stories that matter and that requires investment in the journalists who will tell them,” Jones said.

“This program gives cadets the foundations, the mentorship and the real-world experience to tell stories that make a difference to their communities.”

Chris Jones, Editor of The Courier-Mail

Where roles are available

Cadet positions are available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart, Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Gold Coast and Geelong.

Applications for the National Editorial Cadet Program close on Friday July 31, 2026.

Top image: News Corp Australia Cadets 2025-2026

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.