1284 Communications has been featured in an employer Q&A for the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA).

The article highlights the Leicestershire-based company's experience with the PRCA apprenticeship programme.

It offers an insight into the process of hiring a PR apprentice, providing a look at the benefits and challenges for businesses considering this path.

The PRCA apprenticeship programme is an industry leader, combining on-the-job training with formal education, offering participants the opportunity to earn while they learn.

The Level 4 course spans 19 months, with 14 months dedicated to training and 5 months for assessment, ensuring apprentices gain both practical experience and theoretical knowledge.

Leicester PR apprenticeship

In the profile, 1284 managing director, George Oliver, explains the company's decision to hire a PR & Communications Apprentice.

He sets out how the timing was crucial, ensuring sufficient senior staff were available to provide a comprehensive learning experience for the new recruit.

And he describes the PRCA's commitment to industry quality and measurability as being a key factor in choosing its programme over those of other providers.

PR agency recruitment

The Q&A details 1284's experience with the PRCA's recruitment service.

The Loughborough-based company received nearly 100 applications, a volume that would have been challenging to manage internally for a small business.

As such, 1284 used the PRCA's thorough vetting process, including initial phone interviews and comprehensive notes, to significantly streamline the hiring process.

Despite being in the initial stages of her apprenticeship, 1284's new apprentice, Lauren Cropper, has already made significant contributions.

Her work has included process automation for internal systems, demonstrating the immediate value that apprentices can bring to a business.

The profile includes suggestions from George for other employers considering hiring an apprentice.

He emphasises the importance of offering competitive terms to attract the best candidates, stating: "We wanted to put together an attractive package that would draw the attention of a future leader."

Lauren, who started in late July, has already joined the East Midlands Chamber's Generation Next group of future leaders.

The PRCA feature coincides with several recent achievements for 1284 Communications.

The company has been shortlisted for the CIPR's UK Specialist Consultancy of the Year.

Additionally, 1284 was shortlisted for Midlands Small Consultancy of the Year in the PRCA Dare Awards.

PRCA apprenticeships

The PRCA reports its apprenticeship programme has demonstrated tangible benefits for participating companies.

On average, an apprentice increases business productivity by £214 per week.

Moreover, the programme boasts strong retention rates, with 75% of PR apprentices staying with their employer after completing the apprenticeship.

1284's feature in the PRCA's Employer Q&A series not only highlights the company's commitment to fostering new talent but also provides information for other businesses considering participation in the apprenticeship programme.

As the PR industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the PRCA apprenticeship programme play a key role in shaping the next generation of PR professionals.