Trainees

Trainees

Headland’s 2025 Trainee Programme is now open!

At Headland, we combine formal training and on-the-job experience working with clients across Financial PR, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Campaigning.

You will learn how to become a rounded communications consultant, supported by an in-depth training programme which covers topics such as Media Relations, Digital Media, Sustainability, Research and much more.

Based in the City of London, we’re a fast-paced communications consultancy with clients ranging from global consumer and B2B brands through to innovative start-ups.

We invest in our people, providing ongoing learning and development opportunities and nurturing a dynamic culture that encourages collaboration and creativity.

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Who we are looking for

We are a values-led organisation, and we’re looking for people who are ambitious, collaborative and inventive in all that they do. If the below sounds like you, we’d love to receive your application:

• Either a university degree OR you have significant experience / are currently working in a professional setting (this doesn’t need to be in communications)
• A genuine interest in business, current affairs and media
• An enquiring mind and thirst for continuous learning
• Confidence and a ‘can-do’ attitude, coupled with a collaborative mindset
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• A genuine desire to build a career as a communications professional
• The potential to grow into rounded advisers, demonstrating our values

We’re an equal opportunities employer, and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, always hiring 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 and are committed to supporting and nurturing individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds.

What Headland can offer you

01

Diverse, dynamic and inclusive culture with friendly teams that motivate and encourage you to learn and develop

02

Opportunity to work across a diverse mix of high-profile clients, industry sectors and practice areas

03

Access to senior members of the team to help you learn from their experience and navigate your career

04

Ongoing mentoring from a senior colleague, and a buddy to help you settle in

05

Training and development throughout your career, including an introductory learning programme with over 30 hours of formal training when you start

06

Continuous feedback approach to reviews so that you can learn and develop faster

When looking into a career in PR, Headland’s multidisciplinary and collaborative approach made applying to their Trainee scheme a no-brainer. Having studied Liberal Arts at University, my degree was founded on the concept of interdisciplinarity, an idea I was keen to find reflected in a business. Since joining Headland, I’ve been able to experience the entire range of Headland’s offering. Whether it’s corporate, financial, public affairs, or campaigning, I’ve enjoyed working with – and learning from – the rounded teams and consultants at Headland.

Kitty Arnold

After university, I knew that I wanted to do PR, but was keen to begin my career with an open mind for all possible avenues. I now feel so glad that I found Headland, as the exposure I have gained to different client sectors and disciplines has been incredible – from fun and exciting Citizen & Community opportunities to intricate and engaging policy work. My time at Headland thus far has been an enriching learning experience, but more than that, the supportive, inclusive, and social culture makes it a genuine pleasure to come into work.

Madeleine Gowers

I started at Headland on the trainee scheme, and one thing that has really stood out so far is the quality of the training I have received. Headland has given me exposure to such a wide range of industries and clients, and the variety and breadth of what we do means that there is an opportunity to learn so much. Combined with a really supportive and social culture, Headland is a great place to kick-start your career.

Priya Kaler

Other Benefits

01

Competitive salary and remuneration

02

Ongoing mentoring from a senior colleague through our Personal Manager scheme

03

26 days holiday, plus bank holidays. An extra day will be added on your 3rd, 4th and 5th year anniversary, capping at 29 days

04

A buddy to help you settle in

05

Discretionary, performance related bonus

06

Flexible working policy, once you have completed your probationary period (a minimum of 70% of the time must in the office) plus five days a year to spend working anywhere in the UK

07

Enhanced 7.5% employer pension contribution, with fully sustainable investment options available

08

Life cover (4 x basic salary)

09

Private Medical Insurance (currently with Bupa), with previous medical history disregarded. Plus, all the Bupa perks, including discounted gym memberships, access to discounted dental treatment and massages!

10

24/7 access to an employee assistance line

11

Enhanced parental leave polices

12

Cycle to work scheme and interest free season ticket loans to help you with your commute

13

Social events, parties and last Thursday of the month drinks

14

Company phone and laptop

15

Free breakfast of toast and cereals daily and a fully stocked snack cupboard

“I came across Headland through the Taylor Bennett Foundation. Before starting here, my understanding of PR was basic. After my research, applying at Headland was a no-brainer. I liked the culture, community, and holistic approach to work. I’ve learned so much about PR in the past few months and every day is truly different. Not only that, I’ve had the pleasure to work with people who not only enjoy their job but are incredibly patient and supportive in my journey making working here a pleasurable experience.”

Temi Oguntolu

“From day one, everyone at Headland has made me feel part of the team: integrating me onto client accounts quickly and helping me with all of my questions. Working across financial, corporate and public affairs accounts has given me the opportunity to experience so much in such a short space of time and learn from people from across the agency. I’ve not only been given support, but encouraged to take ownership of my projects by senior team members, who are keen to advise and help me develop my skills.”

Harry Vavasour

“I started out as a journalist for the BBC but becoming a media trainer and leadership coach gave me the opportunity to keep using my journalism skills but in a totally different way. The opportunity to work at Headland’s fast-growing and energised business was too good to miss. Every day is different as I work across our entire portfolio of clients, including prepping spokespeople for interviews with Sky News or grillings from parliamentary committees, or helping a new CEO develop their personal leadership narrative for the business they’ve just started running.”

Jane Hadden

“I knew that I wanted to go into communications but I wasn’t sure which area I was best suited to. Headland’s trainee scheme has allowed me to adopt a generalist approach early on, engaging in financial and corporate PR and public affairs. This means that no two days are the same and I can get hands-on experience of all three areas to really broaden my knowledge – with no pressure to specialise in one. From day one I have been immersed in client projects spanning the financial, retail, and travel sectors. Starting a trainee scheme can be daunting, but the warm and welcoming environment that Headland creates means you feel supported from the get-go.”

Doug McDougall
01

January 31st 2025

Deadline for applications.

02

Feb/March 2025

Successful candidates will have a short telephone interview

03

Feb/March 2025

Followed by an in interview at our office end of Feb/ early March

04

March 2025

Invites to the assessment day will be sent out in early March. The assessment date will be confirmed closer to the time, but we anticipate will take place in March/ beginning of April 2025, although this may be subject to change.

05

September 2025

Successful candidates will start as Trainees at Headland.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in applying, please follow this link. You’ll be asked to upload your CV and answers to the following three questions by Friday 31st January 2025:

We scan all applications for use of AI. Applications found to have used AI in their answers will be rejected, so please do not use AI in any part of the application process!

  1. What interests you in a career in PR? (150 words max)
  2. Which business do you think has communicated very well or very badly during a crisis and why? (150 words max)
  3. What would you bring to Headland if you were to start working with us tomorrow? (150 words max)

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have any questions, please email: Trainees@headlandconsultancy.com

Deadline: Friday 31st January 2025

Please note that applicants who are shortlisted will be invited to a telephone interview in February followed by an in-person interview. If you have not heard from us by the end of February unfortunately that means your application has not been successful. The final round will be an assessment day hosted at our office.

Successful candidates will need to be available to join Headland at the start of September 2025.

Apply now