SEARCH IS ON FOR THE FIRST ‘PR APPRENTICE’

'Work inspiration' programme also launched as part of Big Conversation.
Band & Brown Group has launched a search for the first 'PR Apprentice' and an overhaul of work experience opportunities as part of a new commitment to improve career routes into the industry.
Two 16-plus young people will be given the chance to combine earning a real wage in a real PR job with recognised training towards business administration NVQs at City and Islington College. In addition, an existing employee will undertake a marketing and communications Apprenticeship with Outsource Training and Development.
Young people can apply through the College and via the National Apprenticeships Service matching website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
Following successful completion of a Level 2 Business Administration Apprenticeship, the Band & Brown Apprentices will be able to follow a career path within the company – taking an Advanced Apprenticeship in marketing and communications, graphic design, IT infrastructure, digital marketing or corporate services (such as Accounting).
Gill Brown, Chief Executive of the Group, said:
"In the current economic climate, all employers are looking at how they can best nurture the talent of the future. Through our work with education foundation Edge and the Learning and Skills Council, it's become clear that the PR industry is not making the most of the recruitment avenues available.
"Apprenticeships will not only help diversify our workforce and bring a younger voice to the development of our ideas, but will also offer young people a clear route into the PR industry and a path to progress through our organisation."
Andy Powell, Chief Executive of independent education foundation Edge, commented:
"For too long, the PR and marketing industry has solely relied on graduates to fill entry level positions. Yet, by only offering this route to success, the industry is automatically closing its doors to over half of young people."
Simon Waugh, Chief Executive, National Apprenticeship Service, said:
"An Apprenticeship is a great way to start a career in any industry but we are always pleased to see new sectors picking up this valuable route into a job. We are delighted that Band and Brown are offering Marketing and Communication Apprenticeships."
Kevin Brennan MP, Minister for FE, Skills, Apprenticeships and Consumer Affairs, congratulated Band & Brown on the announcement:
"We're delighted that Band & Brown is backing young Britain in actions as well as words. We want as many young people as possible to have access to high-quality Apprenticeships and work experience programmes so they can combine real world experiences with formal learning."
As part of Business in the Communities' 'Big Conversation' between employers and young people to turn work experience programmes into work inspiration, the Group has also announced it has created a formal link with Camden Education Business Partnership to enable more young people to take part in work experience.
The structured programme will be tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of each student and aims not only to give an insight into a career in the PR industry, but also to help young people build their confidence and communication skills in an actual work environment.
Brown continued:
Our work inspiration programme will not only help the young people involved to gain real world skills and experience, but will also ensure that the company benefits from their time with us. The template for the programme has been developed over the past year with young people known to us and our clients – we now need to make sure that young people from across north London and further afield benefit from the experience we offer."
Details of both schemes can be found on our careers page.