Welcome to Headland’s 2027 Trainee Programme
Welcome to Headland’s 2027 Trainee Programme
London | Full-time | Office-based | February or September 2027 start
Are you curious about how business, politics, media and current affairs shape the world around us? Interested in how communications can influence decisions, build trust and shape reputations?
If this sounds like you, we're looking for collaborative, ambitious people who want to start their careers in communications.
We're an award-winning communications consultancy based in the City of London, working with some of the most ambitious organisations in the UK and around the world.
Our work spans Corporate Communications, Financial PR, Public Affairs, Campaigning and more, bringing together different perspectives to help clients navigate complex challenges.
We're growing fast and looking for the next generation of communications professionals to join our team of 200 people.
We have two Trainee intakes during 2027: Click below to apply
- February 2027 start – applications close on 2 December 2026
- September 2027 start – applications close on 10 January 2027
What is Headland’s Trainee Programme?
Our Trainee Programme combines structured training with hands-on experience, giving you the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to become a well-rounded communications adviser.
You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues on live client accounts, learn how different areas of communications work together and take on more responsibility as your skills develop.
This is a permanent position. You’ll spend your first six months as a Trainee, learning the foundations of consultancy work. We expect you to progress to Account Executive after successfully completing the programme.
What Trainees can expect
- Structured training: More than 30 hours of formal training in your first few weeks, followed by weekly learning and development opportunities. Sessions cover media relations, writing, research, monitoring, using AI in a business context and much more.
- Hands-on client experience: You’ll work across a portfolio of clients in Corporate Communications, Financial PR and Public Affairs, gaining experience of different sectors, audiences and communications challenges.
- Rotations: You’ll complete rotations in Digital, Strategy & Insight, Crisis Comms, and Media Intelligence, working on live briefs and internal projects.
- A dedicated Personal Manager: You’ll receive regular coaching, feedback and career guidance, with clear objectives to support your development towards becoming an Account Executive.
- A buddy: You’ll have a colleague to help you settle into Headland, answer questions and navigate your first few months.
- Regular feedback: You’ll receive ongoing feedback from the colleagues you work with, helping you understand your strengths and identify opportunities to develop.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll be based in our office five days a week. You won’t be expected to know how to do everything from day one. We’ll provide training and guidance as you develop your skills. During the programme, you’ll support client teams across a range of activities, taking on more responsibility as you learn.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Media and political monitoring: Following news, media coverage and political developments, identifying relevant stories and sharing findings with your teams first thing in the morning.
- Research: Researching businesses, industries and competitors to help inform communications advice for clients.
- Writing and content creation: Developing your writing skills by drafting press releases, media pitches, briefing notes and digital content.
- Media relations and stakeholder engagement: Supporting colleagues with media outreach, researching contacts, preparing media lists and briefing materials, and developing your confidence in speaking with journalists and key stakeholders.
- Client account support: Preparing meeting notes, tracking actions and helping client teams organise and deliver work on time.
- Creative thinking: Contributing ideas to team discussions and brainstorms, and learning what makes an effective communications campaign.
- Time management and teamwork: Learning to manage deadlines, check your work carefully and collaborate with colleagues to deliver high-quality work.
What you need to apply
You don’t need previous experience in PR or communications to apply. We’re interested in how you think, your curiosity about the world and your willingness to learn.
To be considered for the programme, you must meet at least one of the following criteria by your employment start date (February or September 2027):
- Have completed a university degree in any subject; or
- Have completed a Level 4 apprenticeship (or higher) in a relevant subject; or
- Have at least 18 months of relevant professional work experience, demonstrating transferable skills in communication, research, analysis or working with clients or stakeholders.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
We’re looking for people who:
- Have a genuine interest in business, politics, media and current affairs
- Are curious, enjoy learning and are willing to explore new ideas
- Enjoy working collaboratively and contributing to a team
- Can organise their work, manage deadlines and adapt when priorities change
- Are interested in developing their communication, research and problem-solving skills
- Want to build a career in communications and develop into a trusted adviser
How to apply
This year we have two intakes: February 2027 and September 2027.
If you would like to apply to both, please select both intake options on the application form.
Step 1: Upload your CV
Please upload your 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?
Unfortunately, the role doesn’t qualify for visa sponsorship.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or have any questions, please email:
sszyndlarewicz@headlandconsultancy.com
Key dates
Inclusion at Headland
We want our Trainees to feel supported, challenged and part of the team from the beginning. You’ll join a collaborative working environment where colleagues share their knowledge, support one another and encourage new ideas.
We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, and value the different perspectives they bring to Headland.
If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know.
We’re proud to have been awarded full accreditation by The Blueprint, an industry standard that promotes greater diversity in PR and communications by helping organisations attract, retain and nurture Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority talent.
Salary and benefits
- £31,000 annual salary
- Performance-related discretionary bonus
- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- 7.5% employer pension contribution, with sustainable investment options
- Private medical insurance
- Life cover
- Company laptop and phone
- Enhanced parental leave policies
- Employee assistance programme
- Cycle to Work scheme and travel season ticket loans
- Regular agency events, socials and parties
- Free breakfasts, snacks and more