Mia Silverfield is a PR Apprentice at National Federation of Builders. Mia started in October 2021, and is due to complete her apprenticeship in summer this year. In honour of National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we had the pleasure of hearing from Mia about her apprenticeship experience; including skills she has developed so far, where she sees her career going, and advice she has for those considering the PR Apprenticeship. Mia talks about how her responsibilities have increased in line with the trust built internally, and we are excited to see her grow even further.
How have you progressed so far in your apprenticeship and career? (i.e. skills, responsibilities, title, promotion, pay)
Since starting my apprenticeship with the National Federation of Builders (NFB) I have developed so many useful skills; my communication skills have improved due to my responsibilities of supporting and working with the NFB's policy team when liaising with members, stakeholders, governmental colleagues etc., this has also helped massively with my confidence. My writing skills have also developed as I've had to produce lots of written content on behalf of the NFB. In addition, as an apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to achieve a qualification whilst working in a real business and true working environment, my teamwork and social skills have developed as, over time, I have built trusting and strong working relationships with my colleagues and stakeholders. About halfway through my apprenticeship, the Policy department at the NFB increased their responsibility, in addition to my other responsibilities I received full editing and creative control of our in-house fortnightly newsletter, monthly update mailing, press releases, and department mailings, meaning I was tasked with ensuring I had all content needed at the right time and that everything went out on time and to the right people. This helped develop my organisational skills and time management. At Christmas last year, the CEO and my line manager agreed on a bonus for me that was representative of my hard work and commitment. The NFB has also offered me a job following the completion of my apprenticeship as 'Junior Executive' within the Policy department, this comes with a pay rise.
What are your career goals following your apprenticeship?
The NFB has also offered me a job as a Junior Executive within the Policy department, which I planned to take after completing my apprenticeship. I am excited about this role and for the time being, am planning to remain with the NFB and develop my skills and knowledge with them. I hope to continue progressing through the company and working my way up to achieve my full potential. I am not sure where I will end up, but I am confident the apprenticeship will boost my career and make the most of my potential
What are some pointers that you'd give to those considering a PR apprenticeship?
To those considering an apprenticeship, I say go for it! It was the best I could have done for my career and future. I would recommend researching the PR industry and your potential employers, so you aren't going in blind and to ensure that the industry is a good fit for you. Don't give up! You may have days where you feel overwhelmed by your workload, but don't let it get the best of you, and don't ever be afraid to ask for help. The people around you throughout your apprenticeship want to see you succeed and will help you get there, they are there to support you not judge you, don't forget that! You'll find that asking for help is a skill that employers find attractive as opposed to struggling alone and being afraid to ask for help.
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.