Applications now open for the 2027 WiJS mentoring scheme

As Women in Journalism Scotland celebrates its 10th anniversary, applications are now open for the seventh round of our mentoring scheme. Since launching, the scheme has supported more than 100 women journalists across Scotland, helping them build confidence, develop their careers and expand their professional networks.

The scheme is open to early and mid-career journalists based in Scotland, or producing content about Scotland, who want support, guidance and constructive challenge as they develop their careers.

Our aim is to help build a more confident and diverse journalism and media workforce in Scotland, supporting a wider range of women's voices and guiding more women into senior industry roles.

Previous mentees have gone on to secure bylines in leading publications, win awards for their reporting, expand their professional networks and access new opportunities. Many remain actively involved with WIJS as mentors, committee members and advocates, and we're proud that one former mentee is now our co-chair.

“Applicants come to us with a wide range of goals, from building contacts and confidence to developing expertise in a particular area of journalism. We work hard to match each mentee with a mentor who can help them take the next step in their career."

Catriona Forrest, Head of Mentoring Wij Scotland

Women of colour remain underrepresented in Scotland's media industry, and increasing representation is a key aim of the WIJS mentoring scheme. While the scheme is not generally open to student journalists, we encourage women of colour to apply.

We are also committed to supporting more women into sports journalism. To help address underrepresentation in this area, student journalists intending to pursue a career in sports journalism are also eligible to apply.

We are keen to support women returning to the media industry after time out.

We want the scheme to support talented journalists whose voices and perspectives are underrepresented in Scotland's media landscape.

Mentoring is rewarding for mentors too. It offers fresh perspectives, new connections and the opportunity to share their experience and skills while helping to shape the future of Scotland's media industry.

If you would like to become a mentor with WIJS, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications are open until 30 November 2026. Successful applicants will be matched with mentors based on their experience, interests and career goals, with outcomes confirmed by the end of December.

Find out more and apply here .

I've mentored a few young journalists through WiJ Scotland, mainly because I know how daunting it is starting out, and how much I wished I had something like this when I was getting into journalism.
Halla Mohieddeen, Freelance journalist and broadcaster