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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 work towards the PR & Communications Assistant Standard, with a PRCA qualification.
  • The PRCA can 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.
  • Alternatively, we can enrol an existing employee onto the programme.
  • They must spend at least 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

 What happens at the end of the Apprenticeship?

  • 80% 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.

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Employer Testimonials

Read our success stories from employers.

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Employer Resources

Documents you can download to support you with the process.

Read more