Advance Apprenticeship
Applications for the Government Communications Advance Apprenticeship 2026 to 2027 are now closed.
The award-winning Government Communications Advance Apprenticeship offers a brilliant opportunity to learn while you earn, and develop the skills you need to begin your career in communications.
On this page:
About the 18-month programme
The Government Communications Advance Apprenticeship will develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to begin an exciting career in communications. Our 18-month apprenticeship combines work in one or more teams across government communications with academic study. You will be working towards a level 4 Public Relations and Communications apprenticeship.
Our profession aims to be representative of the audiences we communicate with. Greater diversity enhances our work. We welcome applications from the widest range of people of different backgrounds, cultures and experiences, as well as those who have caring responsibilities.
During your apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to work across various communications teams and disciplines, contributing to the delivery of cutting-edge work for the UK Government that reaches millions of citizens across the UK and abroad.
You will contribute to exciting new ideas and real issues that affect real people. You could find yourself:
- Developing innovative communication plans across multiple digital platforms, beyond traditional print and broadcast media.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across Gov Comms organisations and sectors, using AI, digital and social media channels to reach different audiences.
- Working on creative government campaigns to build public trust and encourage community participation.
- Researching and analysing the needs of a variety of audiences through data and insight.
- Organising key events and visits for stakeholders across the country and abroad.
Information about the apprenticeship:
- Duration: 18 months
- Apprenticeship: Level 4 PR and Communications
- Entry grade: Administrative Officer
- Salary: Earn around £21,000 to £28,096 (depending on location and department allocation)
- Location: National
- Remote working will be supported and reviewed based on government guidelines
- Recruitment process: Short application form, CV assessment, full application form with a 500-word statement of suitability, and a video interview.
We need people who can:
- Demonstrate an interest in news stories and have an understanding of current affairs and the work of Government Communications.
- Have an understanding of digital, social media platforms and artificial intelligence (AI).
- Confidently use Microsoft Office applications such as Word and PowerPoint, with the ability to quickly adapt to digital tools and software.
- Be flexible, proactive and able to work under pressure to deadlines.
- Demonstrate good interpersonal, written, presentation and verbal communication skills.
- Be organised and creative and demonstrate the ability to work effectively with strong attention to detail.
- Work effectively as part of a team, contributing to shared goals and fostering a positive team environment.
- Ability to use a variety of creative communication tools and digital channels to deliver key messages, for example creating and managing digital content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Learn more about the apprenticeship programme and what apprentices have to say.
Eligibility: who can apply
The Government Communications Advance Apprenticeship is aimed at all levels, ages, and academic backgrounds.
To apply, you must have:
- 5 x GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 (A* to C) or equivalent including English and Maths
- 2 x A levels (or equivalent) achieved by September 2026
In addition to the above requirement when applying for an apprenticeship, you must:
- Be aged 16 or older
- Not be in full-time education
- Not hold a level 4 qualification, including a degree in a communications-related field
- Have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom
- Not be undertaking another apprenticeship (you cannot do more than one apprenticeship at the same time)
- Have been living in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the last 3 years before starting an apprenticeship
- Be a British citizen to work in some placements, and additional clearance checks may be required depending on your placement. Your placement and start date is dependent upon the completion of security clearance.
Contact
For any queries about the application process, contact gcsprofession.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.