Communications Assistant Apprenticeship

Summary

This is an opportunity to work for London Borough of Merton in the Communications Team whilst completing a Public relations and communications assistant apprenticeship. You will have the opportunity to work with colleagues across the council to help inform people who live, work and study in the borough about their public services.

Annual wage

£31,524 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Grade/Salary 7 £31,524 - £32,931 per annum

Training course

Public relations and communications assistant (level 4)

Hours

Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm

35 hours a week

Possible start date

Saturday 1 February

Duration

1 year 3 months

Positions available

1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

To research and write news stories about council policies, services and campaigns, identifying key messages and tailoring these to a diverse range of target audiences.
To take photographs and short video clips around the borough to illustrate news stories and campaign activities.
To adapt communications content for different channels, including website, social media, e-newsletters and the council magazine.
To create engaging content to reach target audiences on the council’s social media channels and contribute ideas to increase followers and reach of the council’s digital platforms. Where needed, monitor and respond to queries received on the council’s social media accounts.
To work with Communications Officers to provide a responsive and efficient service for journalists, ensuring their enquiries are answered before their deadlines and organising background briefings and interviews as required. This includes participating in a 24/7 hour on call rota for media enquiries.
To work with Communications Officers to provide guidance on communications messaging and channels to councillors and officers to support and promote their work.
To work with Communications Officers to write and produce leaflets, brochures or other publications.
To contribute ideas, research, source images and write for the council’s e-newsletters and printed resident magazine.
Under the guidance of the Communications Manager, to develop, plan and implement proactive communications campaigns to promote the council’s policies and services.
To update the communications grid and calendar, which sets out planned activity.
To organise and maintain the library of photography and video clips with consent forms.
To log media coverage.
To put together evaluation reports, showing how communications activity has helped the council to meet its objectives.
To monitor the communications email inbox.
To raise purchase orders and invoices.
Other administrative duties, including some diary management and bookings for team meetings.
To undertake any other relevant tasks which may be assigned by the Communications Manager.
To work from time to time out of hours, including evenings and weekends when required, at corporate events and council meetings or other communications related activities.
Ensure that all work takes account of legal requirements, including media law, copyright, data protection, rules governing local government publicity, and the councils’ policies and protocols.

Where you’ll work

Merton Civic Centre

London Road

Morden

SM4 5DX

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

JGA LIMITED

Your training course

Public relations and communications assistant (level 4)

Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)

Course contents

Use IT systems and software to support campaigns.
Build stakeholder relationships including developing contacts within the media and presenting to them in both formal and informal settings.
Support campaigns by undertaking tasks such as desk research, event co-ordination, and database management to ensure compliance with agreed service or performance levels.
Produce written content such as news releases, articles, social media content, bulletins, and blogs, that is accessible to meet the needs of different audiences and channels.
Able to adapt communication styles as appropriate to the audience.
Support the production of non-written content such as film production management, producing short user generated style content, live video streaming, social image creation, and infographic production.
Distribute content using social media channels.
Use qualitative and quantitative research to analyse and evaluate public relations and communications activities and present findings to project stakeholders.
Analyse and interpret complex subjects through different communication channels and identify areas for improvement.
Input to and review communications programmes and plans with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
Undertake risk assessment and provide information to support stakeholder planning and strategy.
Plan and deliver engagement activities for stakeholders, such as curating the content, supporting events, and collating feedback.
Proofread and edit communications materials such as news releases, graphics and video, and social media content.
Support team and colleague development through buddying or coaching.
Contribute to activities which focus on improving sustainability within the organisation.
Apply relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.
Use IT systems and software to support campaigns.
Build stakeholder relationships including developing contacts within the media and presenting to them in both formal and informal settings.
Support campaigns by undertaking tasks such as desk research, event co-ordination, and database management to ensure compliance with agreed service or performance levels.
Produce written content such as news releases, articles, social media content, bulletins, and blogs, that is accessible to meet the needs of different audiences and channels.
Able to adapt communication styles as appropriate to the audience.
Support the production of non-written content such as film production management, producing short user generated style content, live video streaming, social image creation, and infographic production.
Distribute content using social media channels.
Use qualitative and quantitative research to analyse and evaluate public relations and communications activities and present findings to project stakeholders.
Analyse and interpret complex subjects through different communication channels and identify areas for improvement.
Input to and review communications programmes and plans with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
Undertake risk assessment and provide information to support stakeholder planning and strategy.
Plan and deliver engagement activities for stakeholders, such as curating the content, supporting events, and collating feedback.
Proofread and edit communications materials such as news releases, graphics and video, and social media content.
Support team and colleague development through buddying or coaching.
Contribute to activities which focus on improving sustainability within the organisation.
Apply relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, and ethical guidance where appropriate to their work.

Your training plan

Training will be delivered:

At the apprentice’s workplace (virtual)
Day release
Block release

Requirements

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Team working
Initiative
Patience
Written Communication skills
Independent working

About this company

The London Borough of Merton Council, located in South West London, is dedicated to serving a diverse and vibrant community, offering innovative public services and fostering sustainable development. Join a forward-thinking council committed to excellence, inclusivity, and the well-being of its residents.

After this apprenticeship

The apprenticeship will provide you with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained from your learning to your role and progress your career.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

JGA LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000293359.

Apply now

Closes in 28 days (Sunday 19 January)

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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

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