PRCA and Pearson in Practice announce apprenticeship scheme
The PRCA and Pearson in Practice have today announced that they will be leading the development of an apprenticeship programme for the public relations industry.
The programme, to be developed in partnership between the PRCA, Pearson in Practice, Edexcel and the CfA, will create 600 apprenticeship roles within the PR industry over a three-year period, with the aim of providing non graduates with a clear, structured and industry recognised career path into the industry.
Francis Ingham, PRCA chief executive, said: “The PR industry contributes £7.5bn per year to the UK economy. It’s about time we had an apprenticeship scheme to ensure a steady stream of high calibre candidates for our industry. This is a massive win for the PRCA, our members and the industry as a whole.”
Apprentices will work towards nationally recognised qualifications, equivalent to a foundation degree.
Fiona McBride, CEO of Pearson in Practice, said: “We welcome the emphasis that is now being placed on higher level apprenticeships as a true and credible alternative to university education. It reveals what we believe is a sea change in public opinion about the value of vocational learning and demonstrates a widespread understanding of the important role that apprenticeships play in setting young people on the path towards not just a job, but a sustainable and fulfilling career.”