Applicants with college degrees, regardless of the majors, are preferred. Candidates undergo a rigorous screening process designed to identify their potential for success. Trainees are selected by a panel of reporters and editors who base their decisions on essays, a review of written work, college transcripts, recommendations, writing tests and personal interviews. After working a police beat, trainees are assigned to work on one of The Times' regional editions.
Medical insurance is provided after one month in the program.
During the second year, trainees receive compensation and benefits from the newspaper to which they are assigned.