HSBC & Taylor Bennett Foundation PR & Communications Trainee

The Taylor Bennett Foundation's graduate Public Relations Training Programme is a paid 8-week traineeship that aims to provide a practical yet immersive opportunity to build connections with industry professionals, learn the essential skills to start a career in PR and gain the tools (& confidence!) to secure an entry-level role.

With no previous experience required in PR (no experience in finance or banking is required either!), the cohort-based programme has been designed to increase ethnic diversity within the profession, equipping recent graduates from a Black, Asian and/or minority ethnic background with the relevant networks, knowledge and skills to springboard their career into the industry.

Delivered by HSBC’s Communications, Public Affairs and Brand teams, the HSBC PR Training Programme will run from Monday, June 9th – Friday, August 1st, 2025.

What does the programme involve?

• Through our weekly masterclasses, HSBC workshops and facilitated alumni events, trainees will have numerous opportunities to build relationships not only with their peers on the programme but the wider communications industry.
• Weekly in-person masterclasses delivered by a range of PR agencies & in-house communications teams to showcase and help you decide the area of PR you would love to go into. From policy, technology and consumer to investor relations, healthcare, sustainability, digital and fashion, there is something for everyone!
• Immersive in-person workshops delivered by HSBC that provide an insight into their public affairs, branding and communication teams. This can include areas such as ESG, Crisis Communications, Corporate Reputation & Financial Communications.
• Practical training on the role of a Strategic Communications Advisor alongside building a generalist skill set to confidently deliver the fundamentals. Some training will include; understanding the campaign creation process, branding, learning how to present, strategy, storytelling, press release writing, media monitoring and stakeholder engagement.
• Employability is embedded throughout the 8-week programme to ensure you have the tools to plan your future in the industry. This includes 1-2-1 mentoring from HSBC team members, weekly development check-ins, CV & cover letter workshops, mock interviews and job applications support.

Programme Eligibility

• You must be from a Black, Asian and/ or minority ethnic background.
• You must be a graduate who has graduated within the last three years (or a final year student that will be finished with their studies by the time of the programme). We accept applications from graduates who have studied any subject.
• You must be a British national or have the right to work in the UK by commencement of employment.
• You must be strongly interested in the work of HSBC’s Communications, Brand & Public Affairs teams and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in Public Relations (PR) and communications.
• You must be able to commit to the full in-person programme, which will be based in London (Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm).