PR & Communications Apprentice

HEADLAND CONSULTANCY LIMITED

London (EC4M 9AF)

Closes in 15 days (Sunday 10 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 18 July 2025

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Summary

Fancy joining one of London’s fastest-growing communications agencies? Headland Consultancy’s apprenticeship programme offers an unrivalled foundation in public relations. If you’re a self-starter who’s passionate about current affairs and thrives in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Wage

£27,007.50 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

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Training course
Public relations and communications assistant (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 27 October 2025

Duration

1 year 7 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

PR Activities

As a PR Apprentice, you’ll undertake a wide variety of responsibilities, including (but not limited to):

  • Writing: Crafting business communications, press releases, articles, blog posts, and case studies tailored to clients and media.
  • Social/Digital Media: Understanding which platforms best support campaigns and using them strategically and effectively for clients.
  • Media Liaison: Building relationships with journalists, handling media enquiries, creating media lists, and distributing content to press.
  • Media Monitoring: Tracking the news daily, flagging key developments to internal teams and clients.
  • Client Liaison: Answering client calls and welcoming visitors to Headland’s office.
  • Campaign Delivery: Supporting campaign planning and strategy execution.
  • Campaign Evaluation: Measuring PR impact and evaluating effectiveness.
  • Research & Analysis: Conducting research and presenting key findings.
  • Presentations: Planning and delivering presentations internally and externally.
  • Events: Assisting in event planning and coordination to meet campaign goals.
  • Budget Support: Managing small-scale finance processes related to campaign delivery.

Workload Management

You will also be expected to:

  • Manage Time: Organise your workload, plan ahead, and meet deadlines—both for your role and apprenticeship training. Keep your calendar and inbox organised.
  • Coordinate Meetings: Book and prepare for internal/external meetings, ensuring the right setup (catering, tech, etc.), and that office supplies are maintained.
  • Own Your Development: Take responsibility for your learning and professional growth.

Working with People

You’ll be expected to demonstrate:

  • Professional Relationships: Develop strong communication and collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders, and proactively flag issues when needed.
  • Proactivity: Take initiative, support your team, and tackle tasks with enthusiasm.
  • Networking: Build a professional network and represent both yourself and Headland positively.

Where you'll work

1 New Change
London
EC4M 9AF

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Training course

Public relations and communications assistant (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Use IT systems and software to support campaigns.
  • Build stakeholder relationships including developing contacts within the media and presenting to them in both formal and informal settings.
  • Support campaigns by undertaking tasks such as desk research, event co-ordination, and database management to ensure compliance with agreed service or performance levels.
  • Produce written content such as news releases, articles, social media content, bulletins, and blogs, that is accessible to meet the needs of different audiences and channels.
  • Able to adapt communication styles as appropriate to the audience.
  • Support the production of non-written content such as film production management, producing short user generated style content, live video streaming, social image creation, and infographic production.
  • Distribute content using social media channels.
  • Use qualitative and quantitative research to analyse and evaluate public relations and communications activities and present findings to project stakeholders.
  • Analyse and interpret complex subjects through different communication channels and identify areas for improvement.
  • Input to and review communications programmes and plans with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles within their organisation's procedures.
  • Undertake risk assessment and provide information to support stakeholder planning and strategy.
  • Plan and deliver engagement activities for stakeholders, such as curating the content, supporting events, and collating feedback.
  • Proofread and edit communications materials such as news releases, graphics and video, and social media content.
  • Support team and colleague development through buddying or coaching.
  • Contribute to activities which focus on improving sustainability within their organisation's procedures.
  • Apply relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.
  • Use IT systems and software to support campaigns.
  • Build stakeholder relationships including developing contacts within the media and presenting to them in both formal and informal settings.
  • Support campaigns by undertaking tasks such as desk research, event co-ordination, and database management to ensure compliance with agreed service or performance levels.
  • Produce written content such as news releases, articles, social media content, bulletins, and blogs, that is accessible to meet the needs of different audiences and channels.
  • Able to adapt communication styles as appropriate to the audience.
  • Support the production of non-written content such as film production management, producing short user generated style content, live video streaming, social image creation, and infographic production.
  • Distribute content using social media channels.
  • Use qualitative and quantitative research to analyse and evaluate public relations and communications activities and present findings to project stakeholders.
  • Analyse and interpret complex subjects through different communication channels and identify areas for improvement.
  • Input to and review communications programmes and plans with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles within their organisation's procedures.
  • Undertake risk assessment and provide information to support stakeholder planning and strategy.
  • Plan and deliver engagement activities for stakeholders, such as curating the content, supporting events, and collating feedback.
  • Proofread and edit communications materials such as news releases, graphics and video, and social media content.
  • Support team and colleague development through buddying or coaching.
  • Contribute to activities which focus on improving sustainability within their organisation's procedures.
  • Apply relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.

Training schedule

The programme is flexible and individualised to each apprentice, enabling assignments to be based upon individual job roles and the timing of training and activities in the workplace.

There are a variety of assignments apprentices will be asked to complete, all lasting approximately six weeks in duration. The assignments will give apprentices an opportunity to complete projects and present their findings to their coaches (and/or line managers) to build confidence and competency. Each assignment falls within the relavent developmental stage of the apprentice.

Apprenticeship learning journey to be based on three main developmental phases, to support them in developing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours of a PR & Communications Assistant. These phases will also prepare the apprentice for gateway entry and end point assessment:

  • Forming: Providing training and development opportunities to support the formation of good practice and professional behaviours. The majority of formal PRCA training can take place within this phase.
  • Norming: Providing training and development opportunities to help cement best practices. Further extension PRCA formal training takes place within this phase with opportunities with a focus on more advanced techniques and knowledge and including extension activities for high performing apprentices.
  • Performing: This phase consolidates good practice, enabling the apprentice to take on more responsibilities to become a fully functioning member of the team. Continued guidance is provided to assist the apprentice to prepare for end point assessment and to support the apprentice in reviewing next steps and career choices.

More training information

  • Gain broad knowledge of public relations and its impact on business.
  • Work towards the Level 4 Public Relations Assistant apprenticeship standard, a nationally recognised qualification with a Diploma.
  • Combine on-the-job training with virtual coaching, internal mentoring, online learning, and portfolio development.
  • Receive support in achieving Functional Skills in Maths and English (if needed).
  • Prepare for the End-Point Assessment (EPA) to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and behaviours.
  • Adhere to all company and training provider policies.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English Language (grade 9-4 (A*- C))
  • Maths (grade 9-4 (A*- C))

A Level in:

Minimum of 3 A-levels (ideally including English) (grade 4 (C) and above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Genuine interest in PR
  • Interest in current affairs
  • Highly motivated and committed
  • Flexible and eager to learn
  • Creative and inquisitive
  • Ambitious
  • Collaborative
  • Inventive
  • Proactive
  • Full of initiative

Other requirements

You may be required to work flexible hours to meet the needs of clients. We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds. We always hire for ‘culture add’, rather than ‘culture fit’. We celebrate difference and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We are proud to have been awarded Ally status with The Blueprint. The Blueprint is an industry accreditation which helps talented Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority communications professionals find employers committed to supporting them. And it also helps organisations attract, retain and nurture diverse talent. For more information about The Blueprint, please visit https://thisistheblueprint.co.uk/ If you require any adjustments during the interview and selection process, please make a member of the team aware.

About this employer

Headland is an award-winning and fast-growing communications consultancy, specialising in Corporate Communications, Financial PR, Public Affairs, Digital, Sustainability, and Campaigning. Our client roster includes TikTok, Pret, Scottish Power, OpenAI, and Legal & General. Clients choose to work with us because we place integrated communications at the heart of everything we do and are committed to delivering exceptional results. Our team is nearly 200-strong and based in the City of London, just steps from St Paul’s Cathedral. We’ve earned a strong reputation, including being named PR Agency of the Year. We’re passionate about collaboration because we believe it sparks the best ideas. Our culture centres around the principle that everyone—regardless of level—brings valuable insight and perspective. We’re looking for apprentices eager to contribute from day one and have a tangible impact on their teams. This role is ideal for someone looking to fast-track a career in communications, in a fast-paced environment where you’ll learn quickly and be supported every step of the way.

https://www.headlandconsultancy.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Laptop + mobile device, PRCA Membership, 26 days annual leave + public bank holidays, Life + Private Medical Insurance, Company Pension, Cycle to Work scheme, Season ticket loan, Free lunch at our lunch and learn sessions, Company Events

After this apprenticeship

Progression opportunities will be discussed throughout the apprenticeship. Successful apprentices will be eligible to apply for a permanent position as a Trainee Account Executive.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Georgia Elston

georgia.elston@prca.global

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000329296.

Apply now

Closes in 15 days (Sunday 10 August 2025 at 11:59pm)

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