Public Relations and Communications Apprentice
THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE
WOKING (GU24 0NF)
Closes in 16 days (Friday 14 August 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 28 July 2026
Contents
Summary
You will learn new skills through PA Media Academy and hone them at Pirbright, assisting with writing digital content (internal and external), editing webpages, intranet pages and social media content, event and meeting organisation, liaising with external providers and helping with the administration of the communications office.
- Wage
-
£20,420 a year
- Training course
- Public relations and communications assistant (level 4)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday 08:45 - 17:15
Friday 08:30 - 16:30
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Wednesday 14 October 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 2 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
Public Relations & Media Relations
Assist with preparing media monitoring reports and evaluating campaign performance.
Monitor media coverage and prepare reports on publicity outcomes/ coverage.
Support media enquiries and maintain media contact databases.
Research journalists, influencers and stakeholders to support outreach activities.
Content Creation
Produce written content - articles, blogs, internal communications and social media posts.
Support creation of multimedia content, including photography, video and audio materials.
Ensure all content is accurate, accessible, engaging and aligned with the Institute's brand guidelines.
Digital Communications
Assist in managing social media outputs – posting, tagging, sharing.
Monitor engagement metrics and contribute to performance reports.
Edit and maintain Institute webpages and intranet content under supervision.
Campaign Support
Assist in planning and delivering communication and public relations campaigns.
Support planning and delivery of stakeholder engagement and outreach activities.
Help coordinate events, launches, community engagement activities and promotional initiatives.
Support campaign evaluation and reporting.
Internal Communications
Assist in developing communications that inform and engage employees via The Bull.
Support the production of internal announcements and staff updates.
Contribute ideas to improve employee engagement and communication effectiveness.
Administration & Stakeholder Support
Maintain communication records, databases and documentation.
Coordinate meetings, events and project activities as required.
Build positive relationships with colleagues, suppliers, media contacts and stakeholders.
Where you'll work
The Pirbright Institute
Ash Road
Pirbright
WOKING
GU24 0NF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE PRESS 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 and present 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 and present 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
Training will take place at the Press Association Office in London as well as being supported onsite at Pirbright
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Team working
- Experience creating content
- Video design
- Interest in science
- student media
Other requirements
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Comfortable working within an Animal Research facility
About this employer
The Pirbright Institute
We are a world-leading centre of excellence in the research and surveillance of viral diseases of livestock and viruses that spread from animals to humans.
Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.
Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.
https://www.pirbright.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
Buy and sell annual leave
Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
Pirbright social club
Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
Cycle to work
Subsidised staff restaurant
Childcare allowance
Free onsite parking
Electric Car charging facilities
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Campaign assistant
Communications assistant
Internal communications assistant
Junior account executive
Junior press officer
Junior publicist
Public affairs assistant
Public relations assistant
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE
Khushi Kabra
Khushi.Kabra@pirbright.ac.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045135.
Apply now
Closes in 16 days (Friday 14 August 2026 at 11:59pm)