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, the programme has been designed to increase ethnic diversity within the profession, equipping graduates with the relevant networks, knowledge and skills to springboard their career into the industry.
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. 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.
Holistic in nature, through immersive training workshops (covering topics such as navigating a crisis, pitching a story into the media and press release writing) mentorship and employability coaching, the PR Training Programme will teach you how to network effectively, develop your corporate advisory skillset (such as research, analysis & conveying messages with impact) whilst you decide what area of PR is for you.
PR Training Programme Partners
Several training programmes run throughout the year and each programme has a different partner. Our current programme partners are:
The autumn PR & Strategic Communications Training Programme will run from October 14th – December 6th 2024 and will be delivered alongside our programme partner FGS Global.
FGS Global is the strategic advisor for the stakeholder economy.
“The only constant in your business is change. You need sound strategic advice, deep experience, real-time intelligence, and flawless execution. We founded FGS Global to bring you these tools and more”.
Working across various sectors such as Financial Services, Health, Real Estate, Sports and Sustainability (full areas can be found here), specifically, FGS Global’s practice areas and capabilities include:
- Crisis and issues management
- Government Affairs, policy & advocacy
- Strategy & reputation
- Transaction and financial communication
- Digital, Data & Creative
Programme Outline
The FGS Global PR & Strategic Communications Training programme is an intensive (cohort-based) PR, Public Affairs and Communications traineeship that centres on the FGS Global’s practice areas.
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 FGS Global, 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 as a consultant. Some practical training will include; understanding the campaign creation process, learning how to present, strategy, storytelling within PR, press release writing, media monitoring and stakeholder engagement.
Training
Immersive in-person workshops delivered by FGS Global that provide an insight into the role of a Consultant and their practice areas. This can include areas such as Public Affairs, ESG, Crisis Communications, Strategy Consulting, Corporate & 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, FGS Global 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
• 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. We accept applications from graduates who have studied any subject.
• You must be a British national or have an immigration status that allows you to be employed in the UK at the time of the programme.
• You must be strongly interested in the work of FGS Global and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in Public Relations (PR) and communications.
• You must be able to commit to the full in-person programme, which will be based in London (Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm).
How to make a strong application
Previous work experience within PR is not required for this programme as we are seeking potential over experience! Instead, within your application, we want to see your passion for the world of communications, public affairs, the news and business, and how this is interconnected with politics, media and social issues.
Think about why you are interested in PR & Communications and specifically within FGS Global. We are keen to understand what it is about Communications (whether that be Public Affairs or PR) that appeals to you, why you want to learn more about PR as a career path and your interest in developing your corporate advisory skillset.
We are keen to see your willingness to learn, curiosity and the possession of strong written and communication skills. Be concise with your answers and share what you hope to achieve and gain from participating in our holistic programme.
How do I apply?
Applications for our Taylor Bennett Foundation & FGS Global PR Training Programme are currently closed.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an initial virtual interview with the Foundation on the week commencing September 16th 2024. If successful, applicants will be invited to attend a final stage in-person assessment day on October 4th 2024 (a virtual pre-assessment briefing will be provided ahead of the assessment day on September 26th).
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.
