Press & Publicity Apprentice

Apply for the Press & Publicity Apprentice role at Channel 4.

Program Details

• Reports to: Publicity Lead
• Department: Content Communications
• Location: Leeds, Manchester or Glasgow
• Number of roles: 1
• Start: September 2026

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.

Eligibility

• 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.

Channel 4 Behaviours 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.

Department Description

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Verbal and written communication skills – 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, and 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.

Qualification Offered

Level 4 Public Relations and Communications Assistant.

Length of Apprenticeship

15 months.

Application Questions

• Referring to the essential criteria listed on the job description, please use examples to demonstrate how you meet these (500 words max).
• Can you share with us what representation and inclusion mean to you personally, and why you think they’re important? (300 words max).
• Please share a list of your current qualifications, including those you expect to obtain before the January 2026 start of this apprenticeship.
• What is your favourite Channel 4 show? Where would you publicise it to reach a young (age 16‑25) audience? (200 words).
• 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).
• What are your reasons for applying for this position and why do you want to work for Channel 4? (200 words max).
• Sum yourself up in a snappy caption for your favourite social media platform, using a maximum of 300 characters.

Benefits

• Private medical insurance.
• Free Virtual GP access for employees.
• Free female health hormone test each year.
• Free Tastecard membership.
• Financial guidance 1‑2‑1’s available each quarter.
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Pension.
• Life assurance.
• Income protection.
• Holiday purchase.

Hybrid Working

From September 2023, C4 has operated a 60/40 working pattern, equating to three office days per week. Employees then have the flexibility to decide where they spend the rest of the working week. All offices are open five days a week.

Application Close Date

02 Jan 2026

Equal Opportunities

Channel 4’s purpose is to create change through entertainment; by representing unheard voices, challenging with purpose and delivering content which reflects the diversity of different communities across the UK. We are only able to deliver on this remit by having a workforce rich in diversity of thought, background and lived experience. As an employer we encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender reassignment, gender expression, criminal history, length of time spent unemployed, marriage or civil partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Disability Confident Scheme

Channel 4 is a member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) and has also maintained the highest level of the Department of Work and Pension's Disability Confident scheme – Level 3: Leader. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to offer an interview to all candidates who have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long‑term condition and who meet the essential criteria for an advertised job. If you wish your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please select yes when completing the application questions.

Care Leaver Friendly Employer

Channel 4 is a Care Leaver Friendly Employer. By signing the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter and adopting its principles, we are supporting an immensely talented yet often under‑served and under‑represented community of young people/adults. We commit to offering an interview (and constructive feedback) to applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the essential criteria for the role as outlined on the job description.

Workplace Adjustments

We are committed to providing disabled applicants a level playing field when applying for a job and support whilst employed to perform to the best of their ability and develop their careers. If you have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long‑term condition and require any adjustments, additional support or alternative arrangements during the recruitment and wish to discuss this confidentially, please let us know via recruitment@channel4.co.uk.