Keeping you up to date

We’re passionate about upskilling our team and providing them with the opportunities to develop their careers. We’re also big advocates for apprenticeships and the huge benefit they offer our agency.

We have been lucky enough to form a great relationship with the PRCA, the world’s largest PR professional body, who manage the PR Apprenticeship scheme, and to celebrate the 16^th National Apprenticeship Week ( 6– 12 February) we’re reflecting on our apprenticeship journey.

You may also like to listen to this episode of our ‘Revitalise & Grow’ podcast for more on how the PR Apprenticeship works, with special guest, the PRCA’s Head of Apprenticeships, Stephanie Umebuani.

The PR Apprenticeship, provided by the PRCA, is a Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship programme equivalent to a Foundation degree. The comprehensive 18-month programme sees agencies or businesses employ an apprentice in a hands-on PR and communications role, gaining valuable experience as a PR assistant. As a small agency, we absolutely love giving an aspiring PR professional the chance to gain the real-world experience, knowledge and skills needed to flourish.

The PR apprenticeship offers a wide variety of in-person and virtual training courses supported with a range of resources provided by experienced PR professionals, covering all aspects of PR. Integrating this training into our everyday working lives, our apprentices are always a core part of our client accounts.

Our first apprentice, Beki, was hired back in 2011. Fast forward 12 years and we don’t know what we’d do without her (and not to mention, she’s now our Account Director!). Since then, two more apprentices have joined and moved on, Peter in 2014 and Zak in 2016, both great additions to ADPR at their time of employment and thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeship.

Amidst the first national lockdown in 2020, we employed Kira, who is now an Account Executive. Nearly three years later, we are delighted Kira achieved a Distinction in her PRCA Level 4 Diploma in PR and Communications. This has led to her latest adventure, where she’s studying a PR and Communications degree at Greenwich University alongside her role at ADPR.

We were so pleased to win ‘Best Apprenticeship Employer’ at the annual PRCA Internships and Apprenticeships Awards in 2020. Judges rated our wide-ranging integrated training programme which offers one-of-a-kind, hands-on experiences such as sailing in Barbados, press trips to Italy and ballistic testing for superyachts thanks to our varied range of clients. Additionally, the judges commended ADPR for our highly supportive culture, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the retention of staff. The following year, at the same awards, we were very proud of Kira, for winning the ‘Best Apprentice Award’.  Judges were impressed with Kira’s impressive work ethic, positive attitude and willingness to get stuck in.

Reflecting on our apprentices’ journeys so far… they’ve been pretty amazing, and we never underestimate the boost they give our business. Providing a culture of opportunity is one of our core values and we are wholly committed to developing talent by offering a variety of routes for people looking to enter the PR profession.

If you’d like to hear more about the PR Apprenticeship, check out our recent podcast episode with special guest, the PRCA’s Head of Apprenticeships, Stephanie Umebuani.