Apprentice PR & Communications Assistant

Together Housing; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 7,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Together Housing is seeking a motivated Apprentice PR and Communications Assistant to join their team in Blackburn or Halifax. This two-year fixed-term contract provides an opportunity to develop skills in public relations and communications while studying for a Level 4 qualification. The role involves supporting communications operations, creating content, and engaging with various stakeholders.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working environment

Technical and personal development training opportunities

Attractive pension scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Financial and lifestyle benefits

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4-9 or A*-C required.
• Passion for public relations and effective communications.
• Experience using IT for educational or work purposes.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day operations of the communications function.
• Create content for external and internal channels.
• Utilize media monitoring platform to track coverage.

Skills

Communication skills

Information Technology

Time management

Education

GCSE Maths and English at grade 4-9 or A*-C

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Apprentice PR and Communications Assistant based in Blackburn or Halifax. This role is ideal for someone who likes to find the good in everything, tells a great story, and wants to positively influence others. The role would be great for someone looking to start their career in public relations, stakeholder management, or communications while studying towards a Level 4 Public Relations and Communications Assistant qualification (the course will be online).

As an apprentice, you will support the day-to-day operations of the communications function, helping to keep records organized, monitor media coverage using specialist platforms, and update both internal and external communication channels. Together Housing’s supportive team of communicators will guide you through developing your skills, giving you a chance to be involved in planning, writing, and distributing content and campaigns. You’ll help the team find good news stories, handle challenging ones, and organize meetings with partners and politicians.

Information Video - Apprentice PR & Communications Assistant

***Please note this role is a 2-year fixed-term contract.

Together Housing Group: We are one of the largest housing associations in the North of England, managing over 38,000 homes across the North of England. We are a non-profit organization, meaning any money we make is invested back into the company for the benefit of our residents and local communities. We are committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from candidates with any of the nine protected characteristics. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Outline of key responsibilities for the Apprentice PR and Communications Assistant…

• Study for the PR and Communications Assistant Apprenticeship
• Keep the various databases, records, and task boards on the Communications Microsoft Teams channel updated
• Create content for external and internal channels, predominantly written content
• Provide administrative assistance for campaigns and events run by the Communications Team
• Process orders on the business finance system and track spend
• Support customer campaigns, focusing on Together Housing Group residents
• Utilize the media monitoring platform to track media coverage and housing policy updates, produce monthly reports, and log press releases
• Work with the Internal Communications Officer to update internal channels such as SharePoint, Viva Engage intranet, Yammer, and Stream
• Undertake administration duties to support the department's smooth operation
• Assist with sending briefings, schedules, and information to external suppliers, partners, and politicians
• Organize meetings for the Communications Team with internal and external colleagues
• Manage confidential information securely under the Data Protection Act, with training provided

We are looking for someone who has…

• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4-9 or A*-C
• A passion for public relations and effective communications, campaigns, and storytelling
• Experience using Information Technology for educational or work purposes, including Microsoft Office
• Experience managing own workload in education or employment
• Effective verbal and written communication skills

In return, we offer the successful candidate in the Apprentice PR and Communications Assistant role…

• Salary: During the first year, £7.55/hour (£14,526.20 annually). In the second year, salary varies by age: under 18, £7.55/hour; 18-20, £10/hour (£19,240 annually); over 21, £12.21/hour (£23,492.04 annually).
• Studying towards a Level 4 Public Relations and Communications Assistant qualification
• 27 days holiday (rising to 32 over 5 years) plus bank holidays
• A flexible working environment with family-friendly policies
• Working hours of 37 hours/week with flexible arrangements
• Technical, professional, and personal development training opportunities
• Attractive pension scheme
• Health and wellbeing benefits including access to GPs
• Financial and lifestyle benefits such as cycle to work, vehicle leasing, and financial advice
• Staff support networks including menopause, culturally diverse, LGBTQ+, and disability groups
• For more benefits, see the Employee Benefits Link

Note: THG reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Please apply promptly and ensure you fully answer all questions on the application form.