Apprentice Public Relations and Communications Assistant

The Methodist Church in Britain; London Borough of Islington; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dedicated study time within the weekly

Nationally recognised Level 4 Apprent.

Buddy/mentor and apprenticeship netw.

Up to 31 days' leave a year

Flexible working arrangements

Local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounts from local providers

Job summary

Islington Council is offering an 18-month apprenticeship in External Communications and Campaigns. This role is 35 hours a week with dedicated study time for a Level 4 qualification, starting January 2027.

The position focuses on building stakeholder relationships, supporting campaign planning, producing press content, and evaluating communications through research. Eligibility is limited to Islington residents, care leavers and recent school leavers.

Qualifications

• Three GCSEs or equivalent at grade 4 or above, with evidence.
• No existing qualification at this level or above in the apprenticeship subject.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with stakeholders, including media, central government, the public and internal colleagues.
• Support planning and delivery of campaigns through desk research, event coordination and database management.
• Produce accessible written content such as press releases, articles, social media posts, bulletins and blogs.
• Adapt communication style to suit each audience.
• Use qualitative and quantitative research to evaluate communications activity and present findings to stakeholders.
• Analyse complex subjects across communication channels and identify areas for improvement.
• Contribute to and review communications programmes and plans.
• Carry out risk assessments and provide information to support stakeholder planning and strategy.
• Plan and deliver stakeholder engagement, including curating content, supporting events and collating feedback.
• Proofread and edit press releases, briefings and social media content.
• Ensure all communications meet the council's writing style, brand and accessibility requirements.

Skills

Stakeholder relations

Campaign planning

Content writing

Research

Education

GCSEs at grade 4 or above

No existing qualification at this level in the apprenticeship subject

Tools

Database management

Job description

This 18-month apprenticeship sits in the External Communications and Campaigns team at Islington Council, supporting the planning and delivery of campaigns on issues affecting residents. The work covers stakeholder relationships, research, event coordination and writing content such as press releases. Eligibility is limited to Islington residents, care leavers and recent school leavers; the role is 35 hours a week with set study time for a Level 4 qualification. Entry needs three GCSEs at grade 4 or above and passing maths and English tests; start is January 2027.

What the job involves

• Build relationships with stakeholders, including the media, central government, the public and internal colleagues
• Support the planning and delivery of campaigns through desk research, event coordination and database management
• Produce accessible written content such as press releases, articles, social media posts, bulletins and blogs
• Adapt communication style to suit each audience
• Use qualitative and quantitative research to evaluate communications activity and present findings to stakeholders
• Analyse complex subjects across communication channels and identify areas for improvement
• Contribute to and review communications programmes and plans
• Carry out risk assessments and provide information to support stakeholder planning and strategy
• Plan and deliver stakeholder engagement, including curating content, supporting events and collating feedback
• Proofread and edit press releases, briefings and social media content
• Ensure all communications meet the council's writing style, brand and accessibility requirements

What’s required

Qualifications

• Three GCSEs or equivalent at grade 4 or above, with evidence
• No existing qualification at this level or above in the apprenticeship subject

Experience

• No extensive skills or experience in the apprenticeship subject

Checks & eligibility

• Right to work in the UK
• DBS check at the appropriate level, if applicable
• Proof of address and any evidence of name changes
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational health clearanceOverseas criminal record check, if applicable

Other

• Aged 16 or over
• Islington resident, Islington care leaver, or Islington school leaver in the last 12 months
• Pass course entry tests, for example in maths and English

What’s offered

• Dedicated study time within the working week
• Nationally recognised Level 4 apprenticeship qualification
• Buddy or mentor and access to the council's apprenticeship network
• Up to 31 days' leave a year, rising to 36 after five years of service
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops and health and beauty providers