National Apprenticeship Week is a time to celebrate the many benefits of apprenticeships and the impact they have on individuals, businesses, and communities. As someone working at @Hanover Communications, a highly talented public relations agency, I can attest to the power of apprenticeships in helping me develop my industry skills.
I began as an apprentice at Hanover Communications in 2021, and I have been thrilled with the opportunities for growth that have come my way. The apprenticeship program provided by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), has also been instrumental in this with a plethora of learning resources – including in-person training, thought provoking seminars and an engaged tutor to manage my journey on a one-to-one level.
Through my apprenticeship, I have gained hands-on experience in various areas of digital public relations, such as social media management, content creation, paid media and media relations. The skills I have learned have been invaluable in helping me understand the nuances of the industry and how to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences. I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of rewarding projects, from small social media campaigns to large-scale projects. It has also provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge which is applicable beyond a digital perspective, ensuring that the experience has been well-rounded to equip those keen to break into the industry.
One of the most valuable aspects of my apprenticeship has been the mentorship and guidance provided by my colleagues, particularly my managers Poppy Newton and Amy Williams. They have been incredibly supportive and have provided me with opportunities to learn and grow. Beyond this, I feel like I have not just gained a set of skills but also a network of people across the industry I would not have been exposed to prior to the apprenticeship. I would also like to express my gratitude to my apprenticeship coach Anna White, who has been a constant source of support and guidance throughout my apprenticeship. Her guidance and support have been invaluable in helping me navigate the apprenticeship program and achieve my goals as I near completion of the programme.
For those considering an apprenticeship, my advice would be to do your research and find a program that aligns with your interests, skills and career goals. Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain practical skills while also earning a salary, and it's important to find a program that will challenge and engage you. The PRCA ensures the apprenticeship program is tailored to the individual, providing on-the-job training and development opportunities that align with their interests and career goals. If I could go back in time and offer advice to my younger self, it would be to not be afraid to ask questions and seek out opportunities to learn as much as possible – such as apprenticeships. When I first started my apprenticeship, I quickly learned that everyone has something to teach and it's important to be open to learning from others. Due to this I would encourage aspiring apprentices to have an open mind, to never stop learning and to be confident in sharing their own expertise with those around them.
As I near the very end of my apprenticeship, I am excited to see where my career will take me. I am eager to continue to grow and develop my skills in the PR and digital communications industry. I feel confident that the skills and experience I have gained through my apprenticeship will serve me well in my future career. Here’s to apprenticeships, I’m keen to see more people grow into the PR industry as a result of them!
#SkillsforLife
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.