First ever PR careers Apprenticeship scheme

Pearson in Practice and the PRCA to shake up PR careers with first ever Apprenticeship scheme

London, December 2011: Pearson in Practice and the PRCA today announced that they are leading a partnership to develop and deliver an Apprenticeship programme for the public relations industry providing non graduates with a clear, structured and industry recognised career path into the industry.

This new apprenticeship programme will offer an alternative route into an industry currently dominated by graduates. The programme, a win-win for employers and employees alike will combine on-the-job training, qualifications and development with real-life work experience. Apprentices will work towards nationally recognised qualifications, equivalent to a foundation degree.

Francis Ingham, PRCA chief executive said, “The PR industry contributes £7.5bn per year to the UK economy. It’s about time we had an apprenticeship scheme to ensure a steady stream of high calibre candidates for our industry. This is a massive win for the PRCA, our members and the industry as a whole.“

The Apprenticeship Programme will target young people with enthusiasm for a PR career but who have chosen not to pursue a degree, thereby attracting hundreds of new, young and talented people to the industry. There is wide support for the scheme within the sector as it is looking to recruit from increasingly diverse backgrounds.

Apprenticeships are seen as the gold standard in on the job training in the UK with more than 100,000 employers offering programmes. They offer a structured training programme for both existing employees and new starters. Research by the National Apprenticeship Service shows that 77% of employers who already have Apprentices believe they make them more competitive and 88% believe that they lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce.

Following a successful application to the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), worth £1.2m over 2 years, the PRCA and Pearson in Practice will spend the next 12 months working with PR employers and experienced practitioners to develop a programme that will meet employer and employee needs. It is envisaged that the first Apprenticeships will begin in September 2012.

The programme will be developed in partnership between the PRCA, Pearson in Practice, Edexcel and the CfA, and will create 600 apprenticeship roles within the PR industry over a three-year period. The partnership brings together the strength and innovation of the PRCA’s training offering with Pearson in Practice’s established position as the UK’s leading provider of apprenticeships.

Sally Costerton, Chairman of the PRCA and Chairman of Hill and Knowlton Europe and Australia, Middle East, Africa, South and Central Asia said

“The PR Apprenticeships programme is exciting news for the PR industry – it is an opportunity for us to examine how we deliver our services and review which skills we develop in new recruits. I expect employers like myself will be fighting to get involved with this new apprenticeship scheme. Congratulations to the PRCA and Pearson in Practice for making it happen”

We welcome the emphasis that is now being placed on higher level apprenticeships as a true and credible alternative to university education. It reveals what we believe is a sea change in public opinion about the value of vocational learning and demonstrates a widespread understanding of the important role that apprenticeships play in setting young people on the path towards not just a job, but a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Fiona McBride, CEO of Pearson in Practice

ENDS

For more information on Pearson in Practice or to get involved in our new PR Apprenticeship, please contact Ollie.lawson@pearson.com or call 07808 790546