It’s National Apprenticeship Week this week, running from the 7th to 13th February. We’re proud to say that Fight or Flight has two apprentices currently employed under the PRCA apprenticeship scheme .
The scheme itself runs over an 18 month period, where apprentices work full-time with an agency and receive regular catch ups from a PRCA assessor to make sure that everyone is on the right track.
But don’t listen to just us, why not see what our two apprentices themselves have to say about their experiences on the scheme so far:
I started working at Fight or Flight on the 1st of November 2021 and made it a priority to have a one to one with each member of the team within the first few days - they were all very interesting and welcoming!
One of my favourite days was the first day I went into the office. I was met by a few members of the team and some awesome welcoming gifts, one of which was an official NFL football! Previously in one of my interview calls with the managing partners I mentioned my passion for football, and it was very special to me that they would remember and gift me something so personal.
It was then that I was sure I made the right decision in joining this company!
Before I started this apprenticeship, I was working a full-time job as a security guard. In a month, I would easily see over 50-hour weeks while working in quite a negative and static environment. This continued for well over a year.
There was no promise of progression at all. However, it did give me the time to remember that I still had an ambition beyond where I was – to study for an apprenticeship and work in an industry that challenges me. The university route didn’t interest me as I am more of a practical learner than theoretical. The PRCA apprenticeship programme worked out to be the best solution as it allowed me to learn as I work which I see as the most organic approach.
20% of my time spent at FoF must be dedicated towards my apprentice work. Therefore, working a five day week means that I needed to take a day to focus on tackling my PRCA work. I had agreed Tuesdays with my Line manager and it has been working a charm ever since. The PRCA staff are also very helpful, with my Coach Deborah giving me timely and consistent feedback after every submission, helping me every step of the way!
I joined the PRCA Apprentice scheme after working as a researcher and writer for various NGOs in the third sector. I have always been drawn to storytelling but lacked the creative space and team spirit needed to convey an effective message. I decided to leave the third sector and started to research routes into PR, which led me to apply for a PRCA apprenticeship with Flight or Flight.
I’m now four months into my PR journey, and as a FoF Apprentice, it’s been an incredible experience! The team at Fight or Flight have worked hard to accommodate and embed the PRCA scheme into my day-to-day work. I have received multiple media relations training sessions at FoF, and have directly worked on pitching out press releases, bylines and surveys to national and trades publications, via phone and email. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with journalists and clients at our social events, and to own speaking to our clients about my personal contributions. As an apprentice, it is fundamental to be able to ask questions and for help and clarity as I navigate a new career.
My colleagues and management frequently communicate and explain each set task, providing detailed feedback and opportunities for ongoing questions and discussions, in order to facilitate my personal and professional development. I find the team supportive and this is a working environment that is so rare and refreshing. I look forward to seeing where my career in PR takes me!