PR Training Programme
The Taylor Bennett Foundation’s award-winning PR Training Programme is a paid full-time, 8-week intensive training programme in Public Relations (PR), Public Affairs & Communications. With no previous experience required in PR (no experience in finance or banking is required either!), the programme has been designed to increase ethnic diversity within the profession, equipping recent graduates with the relevant networks, knowledge and skills to springboard their career into the industry.
Applications for our 2025 HSBC PR Training Programme are open! Delivered by HSBC’s Communications, Public Affairs and Brand teams, the HSBC PR Training Programme will run from Monday, June 9th – Friday, August 1st, 2025.
About the Programme
Open to graduates from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background, our award-winning PR Training Programme is a traineeship that aims to provide you with the fundamental skills, insights and training to kickstart a career in the PR, Public Affairs & Communications industry.
Specifically, this is done by the programme being designed under three key pillars of building connections with industry professionals (and fellow trainees), learning essential skills for a career in PR and gaining the tools and confidence to secure an entry-level role.
All traineeships are paid through a training allowance of the national minimum wage (in line with your age) and an additional amount to cover travel expenses up to Zones 1-3.
PR Training Programme Partners
Several training programmes run throughout the year and each programme has a different partner. Our current programme partners are:
Introduction to HSBC
Delivered by HSBC’s Communications. Public Affairs and Brand teams, the HSBC PR Training Programme will run from Monday, June 9th – Friday, August 1st, 2025.
HSBC’s Communications, Public Affairs and Brand teams are responsible for protecting and enhancing the reputation of one of the world’s great international banks. Designed to support HSBC’s four core business areas and the overall external profile of the organisation, the HSBC team spans across multiple markets and includes expert communications generalists, alongside topic experts in subjects like ESG and specialists in film production, speechwriting, media handling, change communications and insights.
Within our structure, we cover all major communications disciplines – including Media Relations and Issues Management, Employee and Leadership Communications, Integrated campaigns, including Social and Digital, ESG, Public Affairs, Content creation and Strategic Planning & Insight, as well as Brand Strategy and Experience. Our unique structure also means we have teams that support Digital Accessibility, Events and the preservation and promotion of HSBC’s rich history.
To learn more about HSBC, please visit their website here – https://www.hsbc.com/
Programme Outline
The HSBC Public Relations Training Programme is a holistic in-person, full-time, cohort-based traineeship where 8 graduates will be accepted onto the UK cohort. To see our frequently asked questions on the programme, please click here.
Employability & Pastoral Support
Employability is embedded throughout the 8-week programme to ensure you have the tools to plan your future in the industry. This includes 1-2-1 mentoring from HSBC team members, weekly development check-ins, CV & cover letter workshops, mock interviews and job applications support.
Skills Development
Practical training on the role of a Strategic Communications Advisor alongside building a generalist skill set to confidently deliver the fundamentals. Some training will include; understanding the campaign creation process, branding, learning how to present, strategy, storytelling, press release writing, media monitoring and stakeholder engagement.
Training
Immersive in-person workshops delivered by HSBC that provide an insight into their public affairs, branding and communication teams. This can include areas such as ESG, Crisis Communications, Corporate Reputation & Financial Communications
Masterclasses
Weekly in-person masterclasses delivered by a range of PR agencies & in-house communications teams to showcase and help you decide the area of PR you would love to go into. From policy, technology and consumer to investor relations, healthcare, sustainability, digital and fashion, there is something for everyone!
Networking
Through our weekly masterclasses, HSBC workshops and facilitated alumni events, trainees will have numerous opportunities to build relationships not only with their peers on the programme but the wider communications industry.
Programme Eligibility
In order to participate in the PR Training Programme, you must be from a Black, Asian and/ or minority ethnic background.
You must be a graduate who has graduated within the last three years (or a final year student that will be finished with their studies by the time of the programme). We accept applications from graduates who have studied any subject.
You must be a British national or have the right to work in the UK by commencement of employment.
You must be tangibly interested in the work of HSBC (their communications function) and in pursuing a career in Public Relations.
You must be able to commit to the full in-person programme, which will be based in London (Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm).
A background in Banking, Finance or PR is not required to be successful! We are seeking potential over experience and those that are willing to learn.
How to make a strong application
We want to see your passion for the world of communications, public affairs, brand, the news and business, and how this is interconnected with politics, media and social issues.
We want to understand what it is about PR & Communications at HSBC (whether that be Public Affairs, Brand or PR) that appeals to you and why you want to learn more about PR as a career path.
We are seeking trainees that are willing to learn, curious and possess strong written & communication skills. Be honest on what you hope to achieve through in our holistic programme.
How do I apply?
Applications for our Taylor Bennett Foundation & HSBC PR Training Programme are currently open! Applications for the HSBC PR & Strategic Communications Training programme will close on Thursday, May 1st 2025 (11.59pm).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an initial virtual interview with the Foundation.
If successful, applicants will be invited to attend a final stage in-person assessment day on May 29th 2025 or May 30th 2025 (a virtual pre-assessment briefing will be provided ahead of the assessment day on May 22nd).
We encourage early applications as applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
If you have any queries regarding the PR Training Programme or application process, please contact applications@taylorbennettfoundation.org.
