MATCHMAKER

×

Looking for a Public Relations Agency? Use our Free matching service to find the right agency for you.

User login

Hire a PR Apprentice

For more information, contact:

Stephanie Umebuani

stephanie.umebuani@prca.org.uk 

020 7233 6026 

We want to invite future communicators and bright sparks who are looking for a university-alternative, practical job opportunities within the industry.

How does the apprenticeship work?

  • Ultimately, apprentices will be working towards the PR & Communications Assistant Standard, and with the PRCA qualification to it.
  • The PRCA are able to post your vacancy and run a thorough recruitment process, sending you a shortlist of candidates to interview.
  • Once selected and hired, the apprentice is a full-time employee of the organisation.
  • They are required to spend the minimum of one day per week on apprenticeship work, which can be done from the office.
  • A PRCA Coach guides them through the programme, holding regular reviews with the apprentice and manager.
  • Assessment is competency-based – the apprentice’s daily work should provide the evidence for the qualification criteria.
  • Apprentices' work-based learning is supported by PRCA-accredited webinars and virtual classroom training courses.

What is the PR & Communications Assistant Standard?

  • Apprenticeship standards show what an apprentice will be doing and the skills required of them, by job role. 
  • Standards are developed by groups known as ‘trailblazers’.
  • Trailblazers are a group of employers who work together to design new apprenticeship standards for occupations within their sectors.
  • Unlike Frameworks, the new Apprenticeship Standards will also include assessment and grading of behaviours through an end-point-assessment.
  • Employers can take a more active role in the content of apprenticeships and should benefit from apprentices who are trained more directly for a role within their organisation.
  • A copy of the PR & Communications Assistant Standard can be found in the employer resources, and more information can be found here

How long is the Apprenticeship?

  • 19 months - 14 on training and 5 on assessment.
  • Apprentices are hired full-time on a contract that lasts at least 19 months, although the apprentice can complete the programme sooner.
  • Apprentices must work between 30-40 hours per week. Time spent training is included. Part-time apprenticeships can be agreed at a minimum of 16 hours per week; this increases the total duration of the apprenticeship.

What benefits are there to my business?

  • Apprentices bring a fresh approach and a positive attitude into the workplace, increasing staff morale.
  • Apprenticeships increase staff loyalty and retention.
  • The average apprentice increases business productivity by £214 per week. 
  • Apprenticeships can boost brand image, attracting both new customers and future high-quality staff.
  • A more diverse workforce – apprenticeships invite candidates from a large range of backgrounds.
  • A reduced staff turnover – 75% of PRCA Apprentices stay on with the same employer after their apprenticeship has come to an end.

 What happens at the end of the Apprenticeship?

  • 75% of PR Apprentices stay on with their employer after completing the apprenticeship.
  • Where this is not possible, the PRCA will support the apprentice in finding a new role.
  • The employer is under no obligation to keep the apprentice in employment after the apprenticeship has been completed.
  • Successful apprentices will have a nationally recognised qualification, be part-PRCA qualified, and have at least 17 months of PR and communications work experience.
 

The Recruitment Process

Read in detail about how the recruitment process works for you.

Read more

Employer Testimonials

Read our success stories from employers.

Read more

Employer Resources

Documents you can download to support you with the process.

Read more