This job description may be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

• Bidborough House 38-50, Bidborough Street, London, WC1H 9BT
• 7 Sidings Street, Stratford, London, E20 2AF

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THE PRESS ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Training course

Public relations and communications assistant (level 4)

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What you'll learn

Course contents

• Use IT systems and software to support campaigns.
• Build stakeholder relationships and present to them in both formal and informal settings.
• Support campaigns by undertaking tasks such as desk research, event co-ordination, and database management to ensure compliance with agreed service or performance levels.
• Produce written content such as news releases, articles, social media content, bulletins, and blogs, that is accessible to meet the needs of different audiences and channels.
• Able to adapt communication styles as appropriate to the audience.
• Support the production of non-written content such as film production management, producing short user generated style content, live video streaming, social image creation, and infographic production.
• Distribute content using social media channels.
• Use qualitative and quantitative research to analyse and evaluate public relations and communications activities and present findings to project stakeholders.
• Analyse and interpret complex subjects through different communication channels and identify areas for improvement.
• Input to and review communications programmes and plans with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles within their organisation's procedures.
• Undertake risk assessment and provide information to support stakeholder planning and strategy.
• Plan and deliver engagement activities for stakeholders, such as curating the content, supporting events, and collating feedback.
• Proofread and edit communications materials such as news releases, graphics and video, and social media content.
• Support team and colleague development through buddying or coaching.
• Contribute to activities which focus on improving sustainability within their organisation's procedures.
• Apply relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.

Training schedule

Public Relations and Communications Assistant Level 4.

Training will take place both in the workplace and PA Media Academy, located in Stratford.

College days are one day per week and will involve a combination of in-person, hybrid and online training sessions.

More training information

PA Media Academy is an apprenticeship training provider specialising in public relations and communications, journalism and content creator programmes. It is part of the PA Media Group, which includes the UK's newswire service.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

• GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (grade 4)

• A-level or L3 equivalent in:

  • Any (grade C or equivalent)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Analytical skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental

Other requirements

• Experience of writing, editing and proofreading for a variety of online and/or printed materials.
• A good understanding of east London and the communities that work and live there.
• A demonstrable interest in working in the arts and culture and/or higher education.
• Strong organisational skills, including being able to manage tasks, schedules and deadlines.
• Good communication skills, both spoken and written, with the ability to tailor content for specific audiences.
• Ability to synthesise and summarise complex information.
• Attention to detail.

About this employer

UCL is one of the world's leading universities. At its establishment in 1826, UCL was radical and responsive to the needs of society, and this ethos – that excellence should go hand-in-hand with civic responsibility – continues today. UCL’s teaching and research extends across all disciplines; from one of Europe’s largest and most productive hubs for biomedical science interacting with several leading London hospitals, to world-renowned centres for the built environment (UCL Bartlett) and fine art (UCL Slade School).

UCL’s new campus on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP), UCL East, has been conceived and built to be open, accessible and publicly engaged university campus. With two buildings currently open, and more to come, UCL East is dedicated to breaking down boundaries between knowledge and experience to solve some of the most urgent challenges facing people and the plant. The campus is a unique combination of multidisciplinary research centres, teaching spaces, study areas and living accommodation.

UCL Public Art and UCL Cultural & Community Engagement are part of the Vice Provost’s Office for Strategy which, among other work, manages the operations and vision for the UCL East campus. The team delivers public art, exhibitions, public and community engagement, and cultural programming; building an ethos of engagement throughout the new campus. Our projects bring together UCL researchers, academics, students, artists and east London communities to exchange knowledge and ideas, and collaborate on bringing about positive change.

The post is an apprentice role that will be based on-site at our UCL East campus. The postholder will normally be expected to work from the Campus with flexibility to attend evening and weekend events when needed. Time off in lieu will be provided for any evening and weekend work.

We are located in Newham, east London - one of the most socially diverse parts of the UK – and we want our staff recruitment to reflect this. We encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in the sector and at UCL including but, not exclusive, to non-graduates, disabled, D/deaf and neurodiverse people, LGBTQ+ people, people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds – especially women. We also welcome applicants from a range of educational backgrounds.

Those interested in applying for this role are