Welcome to Headland’s 2026 Trainee Programme
Welcome to Headland’s 2026 Trainee Programme
If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably thinking about taking your first step towards a career in communications—and we’re very glad you’re here.
Headland is a fast-growing and award-winning communications consultancy working across Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Financial PR, and Campaigning. We are powered by collaboration, and our clients include major UK and global brands, fast-growth businesses, and mission-driven organisations.
We’re looking for collaborative, ambitious people to join our Trainee Programme, starting in September 2026.
We invest in our people, providing ongoing learning and development opportunities and nurturing a dynamic culture that encourages collaboration and creativity.
Who we are looking for
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. You don’t need previous experience in communications—what matters most is how you think, what motivates you, and how you approach challenges.
If the following sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you:
- You’ll have one of the following by September 2026:
- A university degree (in any subject), OR
- A completed Level 4 Apprenticeship in Public Relations, OR
- Some professional work experience (this doesn’t need to be in PR or communications)
- You’re genuinely interested in business, politics, media or current affairs
- You’re curious, eager to learn, and enjoy taking initiative
- You bring a collaborative, can-do attitude and enjoy working with others
- You’re organised, adaptable, and able to stay calm in a fast-paced environment
- You’re excited to build a career in communications and grow into a trusted adviser
How to apply
If you’re ready to apply, here’s what we need from you.
Step 1: Upload your CV
Using our portal, please upload our CV in pdf format.
Step 2: Answer three short questions
Instead of a cover letter, we’d like you to answer the following three questions in one document.
- Why are you interested in a career in communications? [150 words]
- Which of Headland’s clients or areas of work interests you most, and why? [150 words]
- How do you stay up to date with current affairs? [150 words]
These questions are designed to help us get to know you—your interests, how you think, and what draws you to this industry. There are no right or wrong answers.
Please keep each response to a maximum of 150 words.
Important: Please don’t use AI to write your answers. We want to hear your voice and understand your unique perspective. Applications identified as AI-generated will not be considered.
Step 3: Two quick and final questions from us
- Will you require employer sponsorship now or in the future to be legally employed in the UK?
- Where did you hear about this vacancy?
If you require any reasonable adjustments or have any questions, please email: Trainees@headlandconsultancy.com
Key dates
Inclusion Matters to Us
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of voices and perspectives. That’s why we’re committed to building an inclusive workplace and removing barriers wherever we can. If you need any adjustments or support during the application or interview process, please let us know—we’ll be happy to help.
We are proud to have received full accreditation from The Blueprint, a mark of our ongoing commitment to improving diversity and inclusion in communications.
If you have any questions about the programme or your application, feel free to get in touch with our recruitment team.
- Sonia Szyndlarewicz sszyndlarewicz@headlandconsultancy.com
- Elle Macgregor-Chatwin EMacgregor-Chatwin@headlandconsultancy.com
We look forward to receiving your application.