Public relations and communications assistant
Level 4 · HigherSales, marketing and procurement 1.2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Public Relations and Communications Assistant supports organisations to manage their reputation and communicate effectively with the public, media, and key audiences. Apprentices draft press releases, manage social media, and help run campaigns under the guidance of senior practitioners. This role can lead to officer and manager positions within in-house communications teams or PR agencies.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Core PR principles - media relations, reputation management, campaigns
Writing for different audiences and channels including press and digital
Social media content planning and community management
How to research audiences and evaluate campaign performance
CIPR Code of Conduct and ethical communications practice
Basic event planning and media monitoring techniques
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Draft press releases, statements, and media pitches
Schedule and publish content across social media platforms
Monitor media coverage and compile daily press round-ups
Respond to journalist and stakeholder enquiries
Support the organisation of press events and launches
Assist with updating website news pages and newsletters
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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