PR Apprenticeships at Babel PR #NAW2023
Babel PR’s first (of possibly many) PR Apprentices is Lauren O’Harrow. Lauren is currently completing her end point assessment for the apprenticeship, after 15 months of training with the PRCA. Lauren’s favourite subject during A Levels was Media Studies, and after discussing her career options within the media industry with her teacher, she was introduced to PR. From learning more about the industry, Lauren decided it was the best fit for her since it encompasses both her love for the media and it allows her to build relationships.
In honour of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we did a Q&A with Lauren’s manager, Jenny Mowat, regarding Lauren’s contribution to the business, and any tips to support companies contemplating a similar route.
How have your apprentice’s newly-developed industry skills benefited your business?
"Since joining Babel, Lauren has shown an enthusiasm to learn, which is a must-have quality to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the PR industry. This enthusiasm has translated into her adapting to new client sectors, which can be especially daunting at first in the diverse world of technology. This ability to adapt has helped her to provide great support for clients and for the wider team as well."
How do you feel your apprentice has contributed to your business and has the apprenticeship promoted business growth?
"Lauren brings a burst of energy and support to the office, and coupled with her enthusiasm to learn, she has had a positive impact on the business. Lauren works on our PR for Babel team which works to create brand awareness for Babel as an agency, through social media, company updates and thought leadership programmes. This initiative has really helped to create awareness for Babel as an agency, and Lauren has been involved in the social media aspects of the account, along with organising podcasts, webinars and thought leadership activity which has all had a positive impact on Babel as a business."
What is some advice that you would give to an employer considering hiring an apprentice?
"My main piece of advice for employers that are considering hiring an apprentice is to ensure that they can be in a work environment that creates consistent opportunities and support - just like you would with a graduate or account executive. Whether this takes the form of learning, development, or training, you need to ensure there is a constant source of support for your apprentice to help them develop both personally and professionally. However, the support doesn’t end there - employers need to make sure that they set clear expectations and regularly check in with apprentices to set career goals to ensure that their development is consistent and that they have the space to commit to their study time. Finally, don’t be afraid to unleash your apprentice across the business to help broaden their experience - after all, they are there to learn!"
Jenny Mowat, Managing Director, Babel PR
The PRCA delivers the Higher PR & Communications Assistant Standard, with the structured support of the Level 4 Diploma in PR. Both are nationally recognised. Flexible in structure, employers can tailor the Diploma using optional units to suit the needs of the business. Learners are placed in the workplace and complete on-the-job training and assessment. Click here to find out more about the PR Apprenticeship programme.