Apprenticeship programme information
Applications are open for the 2026 to 2027 cohort! Apply to the Government Communications Advance Apprenticeship on Civil Service Jobs.
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Background
The apprenticeship is a development programme and involves having a full time job, as well as completing training courses and assignments to equip you to work in the communications profession. We were involved in creating the PR and communications standard, and were the first organisation to have learners complete the standard.
This apprenticeship is part of our Diversity and Inclusion strategy, which aims to strengthen representation in our early talent pipeline, from entry-level to senior civil servants. We want to attract a wide range of people, including school leavers and those changing careers, and build a profession that reflects the audiences we serve.
Since the programme’s launch in 2016 we have placed 271 apprentices in comms teams across government.This is a six-time award winning scheme: Apprenticeship Scheme of the year in 2019, Apprentice employer of the year 2021, 2023, 2024 and a Government Communications Apprentice has won Apprentice of the year in 2020 and 2023 at the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) awards.
Level 4 PR and Communications
You will be working through a level 4 Public Relations and Communications Assistant standard put together by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
During your apprenticeship, you will be exposed to different aspects of the communications profession as well as given training by our apprenticeship training provider, building your knowledge, skills and behaviours to complete the programme.
Towards the end of your apprenticeship, you will be required to complete an End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment is made up of two components:
- a multiple choice knowledge test
- a work-based project, involving a report, presenting and questioning
Anyone successfully completing the apprenticeship will be eligible to apply for membership of the PRCA.
What happens after the apprenticeship?
Towards the end of the programme, the Government Communication Service (GCS) People and Membership team will provide support through interview skills workshops and with the aim to help you develop your career in Government Communications.
Throughout your apprenticeship you will be supported by your line managers, the training provider, previous apprentices who have experience of the programme, mentors, and the GCS People and Membership team.
Tips for applying
You will be required to complete an application form which consists of a 500-word personal statement. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a final video interview.
We suggest you:
- Use ‘I’ not ‘we’ – The panel wants to know about what ‘you’ did, not anyone else. Only use ‘we’ when it is necessary and relevant to your example.
- Read the job description several times – It is particularly important you read the eligibility and essential criteria more than once to make sure you understand the role you are applying for, and what is expected of you.
- Link your evidence to the job advert – This includes your experience, knowledge and any transferable skills which show what you have previously learnt and how you can apply this to the role.
- Check through your application – Make sure you have clearly explained how you meet all the requirements outlined in the job advert.
- All information must be current and up to date – This includes any references you have made to previous jobs/qualifications in your personal statement/CV.
- Get a second opinion – Before you submit your application ask someone to read through it as they might spot something you haven’t.
What apprentices have to say
Sophie Jack, a Government Communications apprentice at the Pension Protection Fund, shares how working across communications disciplines shaped her skills and confidence.
“From the moment I joined, I felt very welcomed and inspired by the colleagues around me. At a new member event hosted by the apprenticeship programme team, we shared our motivation for applying and how we felt it was a great opportunity to continue learning and developing our skills.”
After seven years in retail, George Neophytou shares how the apprenticeship programme gave them the skills and confidence to build a career in government communications.
“I’m sharing my story because I used to think apprenticeships were only for 18-year-olds leaving school. After going to university, I assumed that a route into government communications wasn’t for me – but I was wrong. A friend recommended the Government Communications Advance Apprenticeship programme. She had completed the programme herself and gone on to work across Whitehall, including roles in the Foreign Office and the Home Office. I’m thrilled to say her recommendation was spot on.”
Ellen Holmes shares how the Government Communications Apprenticeship at His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) transformed her confidence, developed her skills, and led to a permanent communications role.
“When I joined the Government Communications Advance Apprenticeship programme in November 2024, I had no idea just how transformative the experience would be. Starting fresh at 29 was a scary thought, but taking the plunge was worth it.”
Further support
The GCS People and Membership team look forward to welcoming you to Government Communications and will support your induction through to next steps with a careers workshop towards the end of your scheme.
Submit any questions you have about the apprenticeship to: gcs-apprenticeship@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.