Apprenticeship | Strategic Communications

FTI Consulting's Strategic Communications Apprenticeship Programme provides a fantastic opportunity to enter and gain practical experience in the global PR and communications industry. The 18-month programme combines on-the-job learning with a nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification. Our apprentices have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide range of communications activities, work within dedicated client teams, and engage directly with clients on their communications programmes. The apprenticeship programme will suit any individual with a passion for media, business and current affairs, and the desire to bring their creativity to a fast-paced, supportive workplace environment as they embark on their PR and communications career.

About the Programme and Role

The FTI Consulting Strategic Communications practice works to protect and enhance our clients' business value and reputation. We help our clients by advising them on all aspects of their communication needs: be that building their corporate reputation and brand, issuing and explaining their financial results, or developing and bringing to life great digital strategies and social media engagement.

We're looking for candidates keen to gain experience across the range of corporate, financial, political and brand communications in a professional environment but also someone who will contribute creative ideas and new skills to help keep our team learning and growing. This is a hands-on, client facing role where the candidate will be able to hit the ground running and help contribute to and continue our success.

What You'll Do

• Writing – Writing for business communications, press releases, case studies, corporate social media posts etc.
• Client work – Research tasks for existing and new clients, contributing creative ideas and relevant perspectives to client programmes, supporting with pitch proposals for possible new work, and supporting with organising client events.
• Stakeholder engagement - Building relationships with journalists, creating media lists, dealing with day to day inquiries from the media, monitoring media mentions, managing social media engagement.
• Research and data analysis – Conducting research for the team and/or clients and reporting key findings in a clear, comprehensible and actionable way.
• Presentations – Planning, structuring, supporting and delivering presentations internally.
• Workload management – Arranging meetings for both internal and external stakeholders, responding to emails with diligence and keeping your online diary up to date.
• Time management – prioritising workload, organising your work to ensure deadlines are met for both work activities and training.
• Career development – taking responsibility for your personal learning and professional development.
• Networking – developing professional relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. Ensuring your coach/manager is aware of your work in progress. Building a professional network to support your career growth.

For the duration of the Programme, you will have a role within one of our business’ sector or functional teams and gain exposure to the work that team does for current clients and develops for new clients. Through this activity, you will develop a wide understanding of Public Relations and the impact it has on those businesses that choose to use it.

As a Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) Apprentice, you will follow a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship in Public Relations, which is a nationally recognised qualification route with a Diploma. This will involve “on the job” training, virtual visits from an Apprenticeship Coach, an internal line manager to provide ongoing guidance, online learning and creating a portfolio of evidence to substantiate your progress. You will be working towards an End-Point Assessment (EPA) which will determine if you have the knowledge, skills, and behaviours listed in the PRCA Standard.

What You Will Need to Succeed:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Functional skills in Maths and English.
• Excellent attention to detail – you consistently ensure that you review your pieces of work and submit to a good standard even when things are busy.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office packages.
• Organised with good time management – you can juggle different activities, have an understanding what needs to be prioritised, and will flag if deadlines won’t be met.
• GCSE Grades 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent in English Language and Maths.
• Minimum of three A Levels/ BTEC or equivalent preferred.
• A desire and passion to work in Communications and PR.
• Strong work ethic.
• Creative thinker.
• Adaptable and willing to learn.
• Proactive self-starter, ability to take initiative to volunteer for tasks.

Please ensure you provide a curriculum vitae and a cover letter which clearly outlines your suitability for the role and describes how your skills meet the requirements for the role with your application.

Our goal is to support the well-being of you and your families—physically, emotionally, and financially. We offer market competitive benefits (including pension), supplemented by 15 flexible benefits, to meet your needs. These include health, lifestyle and family friendly options. We also offer professional development programme, wellness, recognition, community volunteering initiatives, and flexible/hybrid working arrangements.