Getting Comms Right

Launched in 2011, over 240 apprentices have gone through the PRCA PR Apprenticeship scheme – and I’m proud to say that I am one of them.

I applied to join Templemere PR back in 2016, fresh out of college. I had five university offers under my belt, but I am a big fan of practical learning and the idea of working and studying at the same time was very appealing to me. I knew I wanted to work in PR and I knew I wanted to do it now. A close school friend of mine was an apprentice, and suggested I research apprenticeships. I searched on Twitter (as every Gen Z does…), and found @PRApprentices.

Being an apprentice meant that I could work full time, gain professional experience, learn and earn and finish with a Level 4 Diploma in Public Relations. I was a part of a growing team and growing with the company, working with a variety of different clients. From day one on the job, I was submerged into the PR world. Fridays were spent studying hard to fill in the gaps in my knowledge through research and experienced-based assignments and I’d go back to work on Monday ready to apply my learnings to my role. I even attended the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes in my first month as an apprentice at Templemere – nothing like being thrown in the deep end!

The PR Apprenticeship offers a mentor, countless webinars and training opportunities and the support, advice and guidance anyone starting off in PR needs. It can be scary at first, but the PR Apprenticeship is more than just a scheme – it is a community. With a newsletter, a LinkedIn group and regular invitations to networking events, you’re always involved and meeting other apprentices around the country.

Through my apprenticeship I have learnt valuable skills, had experience across a range of PR activities and even shared my learnings with members of the Templemere team. I have been promoted from a PR assistant to an account executive and social media coordinator and relocated with Templemere to central London, all before I would have graduated from university.

I am delighted that Templemere PR has hired a new apprentice following my graduation last year, and honoured to be working as her day-to-day line manager and mentor, offering my counsel as she studies for her diploma.

Keep an eye out for Stella’s ‘The Apprentice 2.0’ blogs, as my apprenticeship journey concludes.