Press & publicity apprentice

Hachette UK; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A major broadcasting company is offering a 15-month apprenticeship in public relations and communications based in the UK. The role focuses on providing administrative support in the press and publicity team, engaging in media outreach, and supporting various publicity campaigns. Candidates should have strong written and verbal communication skills, a passion for content promotion, and must meet GCSE qualifications. The apprenticeship includes formal training once a week and experience in a dynamic media environment.

Benefits

Support for relocation costs

Formal training workshops and tutorials

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail is essential.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Passion for Channel 4's remit is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the press and publicity team.
• Research and draft written content for press releases and newsletters.
• Assist with promotions and campaigns while contributing creative ideas.
• Field general enquiries from journalists via phone, email, and in person.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Social media understanding

Strong prioritisation skills

Education

GCSE Maths & English Grade C (4) or above

Tools

MS Office Suite

Social media platforms

Job description

Closing date for applications: 2nd January 2026

Salary: £24,328.00

Reports to: Publicity lead

Department: Content communications

Location: Leeds, Manchester or Glasgow

Number of roles: 1

Start date: September 2026

Gain experience in press and publicity with this 15-month apprenticeship at Channel 4.

Channel 4’s Content Communications department is responsible for generating and shaping earned press and media coverage for Channel 4’s diverse range of programmes, services and talent. The department proactively publicises Channel 4's reputation, vision, programmes and content across all print press, digital, TV and radio, consumer and trade publications, and with influencers – with a view to driving both audiences to watch the content and feel an affinity for its brand and reputation. The department handles all media requests for programme information, talent and executive interviews, clips and pictures.

We are looking for an enthusiastic apprentice to join our busy Content Communications team. You'll need to love TV, be social and digital media savvy, and have top notch communication skills both in person, on paper and online. You'll need to be super organised and happy to get stuck in, and be ready to kick off your career as a TV publicist.

You will get to work as part of Channel 4’s consumer facing press team on some of the most talked about shows on TV, offering administrative support and bringing your ideas and perspective to the team, whilst also assisting on some major campaigns.

Channel 4 is committed to diversity and welcomes applicants from all corners of the UK and from all backgrounds.

Key responsibilities

• To provide efficient administrative support to the press and publicity team as required – reporting to one of the department’s Publicity Leads
• Research, draft and edit written content for press releases, programme descriptions, newsletters and briefing materials
• Support the Content Communications team in creatively promoting content and programmes – Contributing to the planning, scheduling and delivery of publicity strategies, coming up with creative ideas and helping to implement them
• Assist at press launches, screenings and events - managing guest lists, helping organise transport and looking after talent
• Use your passion for social and digital media to create digital assets and develop contacts with digital outlets and influencers

You’ll also work in a team with Press and Publicity Assistants to:

• Field and deal with general enquiries from journalists efficiently via phone, email and face to face, representing Channel 4 in a positive way
• Deal with production companies, commissioning editors and other stakeholders – representing Channel 4 in a positive way
• Source and provide weekly programme press information, billings and preview material for journalists
• Save media cuttings and create PR updates and reports that showcase the work of the team
• Upload press releases and information to the Digital Press Centre and distribute press releases to targeted lists

Knowledge, skills and experience

As part of the application process you’ll be asked to tell us how you meet the essential criteria listed below. When answering this question think about examples from your experience so far, this doesn’t need to be professional experience but could be academic, from volunteering or a part‑time job.

We’ve provided some examples beside the first four criteria of experience that could demonstrate you have these skills. Please note you do not need to use these examples, they are just here for guidance and you should draw from your own personal experiences.

• Verbal and written communication skills
  • Verbal - e.g. experience of dealing with customers or working as part of a team.
  • Communication – e.g. writing emails, completing an application form or essay, or if you have a hobby that involves creative writing.
• Attention to detail –e.g. Cashing up on tills or proofreading coursework.
• Organisation skills and ability to prioritise tasks – e.g. Planning events whether personal or for professional purposes, as well as managing work life balance, for example working whilst doing coursework/exams.
• An understanding of and a passion for Channel 4's remit
• Confirm you have Maths & English GCSE Grade C (4) or above
• Experience using the full MS Office suite and knowledge of creating Powerpoint presentations
• Experience using and a good understanding of social media platforms
• Strong prioritisation and time management skills
• A great attitude and a willingness to learn

About our apprenticeships

Our apprenticeships are full‑time, with four days per week spent working in a C4 department and one day per week completing the formal learning parts of the apprenticeship. You’ll spend 60% of your working week in your office base and 40% working from home.

The formal training provided will consist of workshops, tutorials, webinars, coaching and in some cases residential boot camps. You can read more about the qualification being offered for this apprenticeship below.

If you’d like some tips on writing your application before you apply, please watch our YouTube video, How to Write an Outstanding Application.

• Qualification offered with this apprenticeship: Level 4 Public Relations and Communications Assistant
• Length of apprenticeship: 15 months

Am I eligible to apply?

• You must be 18 years old or over at the time the scheme starts to apply. There is no upper age limit.
• You’ll need to have a Grade C (4) or above in Maths & English GCSE
• You can’t have already completed the qualification being offered or similar at the same or higher level
• Our apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and people who do not have a degree. If you have a degree, please visit the Channel 4 Jobs website

Channel 4 behaviours

At Channel 4, we have four core behaviours that underpin everything we do. These are outlined below, and we will be assessing candidates on these behaviours throughout the recruitment process.

• Include We’re Altogether Different so let’s give each other a bear hug, team up and trust each other to collaborate arm‑in‑arm. Don’t just listen: listen to understand.
• Innovate Don’t just rinse and repeat: don’t just go through the motions. Challenge positive and embrace change. Experiment & take smart risks.
• Grow Question everything and school yourself. Be generous with your knowledge with others and seek feedback from them. Be clear with your objectives.
• Get it done Make your time at Channel 4 count. Be a solution‑finder, not a finger‑pointer. Prioritise, decide and then act – always commercially.

Alternative application formats

We are committed to making the application process accessible. If you would like to discuss suggestions for alternative formats, or have any questions about the recruitment process in general, please contact us at [e-mail]

Take a look at our access page for more information, which you’ll find by clicking here. You can also watch our YouTube video, Demystifying Interview and Workplace adjustments.

Additional questions

Please remember to complete the additional application questions by uploading a Word or PDF attachment. These questions really help us get to know you better and we won’t be able to consider your application without them.

1. Referring to the essential criteria listed on the job description, (which are all skills and experiences we deem important to thrive as a C4 apprentice), please use examples to demonstrate how you meet these (feel free to draw on academic, personal and professional experiences). (500 words max)
2. Can you share with us what representation and inclusion mean to you personally, and why you think they’re important? (300 words max)
3. Please share a list of your current qualifications, including those you expect to obtain before the September2026 start of this apprenticeship. We require this information to ensure your eligibility for the apprenticeship you are applying for.
4. What is your favourite Channel 4 show? Where would you publicise it to reach a young (age 16‑25) audience? (200 words)
5. Where do you get your news from? How would you use that platform or publication to promote a new Channel 4 show? (200 words max)
6. What are your reasons for applying for this position and why do you want to work for Channel 4? (200 words max)
7. Sum yourself up in a snappy caption for your favourite social media platform, using a maximum of 300 characters.

Relocation

If you need to relocate in order to take up this opportunity, we can offer you support towards the financial costs of moving. This includes a contribution towards your deposit and first months’ rent, plus visits to your new city to look for accommodation.

The programme aims to offer opportunities to those currently underrepresented in the TV industry, so we are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socio‑economic groups.

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.