PR & Communications Apprentice

What will the apprentice be doing?

We’re looking for apprentices who want to get stuck in from day one and really make a difference to their teams. The role will best suit someone who wants to fast track their career in communications and hit the ground running. It’s a fast-paced environment where you’ll learn quickly and be supported every step of the way.

PR activities

Headland’s PR Apprentice will be required to undertake (but not be restricted to) the following activities as part of their role.

• Writing: Writing for business communications, communicating effectively with PR clients, writing for the media (including articles, news releases, blogs, and case studies)
• Social/digital media: Understanding when and which social media channel is appropriate and how it can be incorporated into a communications campaign. Using social media in a strategic and effective way for companies and brands
• Media liaison: Understanding how the media operates, dealing with day-to-day inquiries from the media, pitching stories and/or products to the media, building relationships with the media (i.e. journalists), creating media lists, monitoring press clippings, sending/receiving press selection products
• Media monitoring: Monitoring the news on a daily basis, flagging relevant articles to internal teams and clients
• Client liaison: Be a key member of the team answering calls from clients when they ring Headland’s switchboard number, and meeting and greeting clients in person when they visit Headland’s office
• Deliver PR campaigns: Supporting the team in creating new campaigns, working to deliver a strategy for a client or organisation
• Evaluate PR campaigns: Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of PR campaigns and measuring their impact
• Research & data analysis: Conducting research for the team and/or clients and reporting key details
• Presentation: Planning, structuring and delivering presentations internally & externally
• Events: Planning, organising and co-coordinating events, meeting the objectives of the brief
• Budgets: Taking charge of small finance processes related to PR campaigns

Workload management

The PR apprentice will also be required to demonstrate workload management by undertaking the following activities.

• Time management: Planning, organising, taking the initiative and prioritising workload to ensure deadlines and objectives for both work activities and apprenticeship training are met. Ensuring email/online diaries are kept up to date
• Meetings: Arranging internal and external meetings, ensuring rooms are suitable and attendees needs are catered for (including teas/coffees/ adequate IT set up for video calls etc.), and ensuring the office is adequately stocked with necessities
• Career development: Taking responsibility for personal learning and professional development

Working with people

The PR apprentice will also be required to demonstrate the following in their ability to work with people.

• Professional relationships: Developing professional relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, effective listening and verbal/written communication. Ensuring supervisors and coaches are aware of work-in-progress and are briefed when any problems arise. Working with teams to achieve goals and promote a motivated work environment
• Proactivity: Working within teams to provide support by proactively taking on tasks, and completing tasks with a positive attitude
• Networking: Building a professional network of other PR professionals whilst maintaining a positive company and personal image

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

The potential career path of a successful applicant will form part of discussions during the apprenticeship.

For any apprentice that successfully completes their apprenticeship, they will be applicable to apply for the position of Trainee Account Executive.