How the Government Communications Apprenticeship helped me find my path in communications
Sophie Jack, a Government Communications apprentice at the Pension Protection Fund, shares how working across communications disciplines shaped her skills and confidence.
I applied for the Government Communications Advance Apprenticeship programme because I was looking for an opportunity to gain the skills, experience and qualifications that would lead to a rewarding career in communications.
A welcoming start
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.
I also really enjoyed the speakers who shared their experience working across government communications and highlighted the importance of being adaptable, open to change, and continuously seeking learning opportunities.
Working across disciplines
As an apprentice at the Pension Protection Fund (PPF), one of the biggest benefits has been the chance to work across all the different communications disciplines. This means my workdays are always different and I have had the opportunity to create internal newsletters, video campaigns, and blogs. This variety has helped me understand what I enjoy most and where I can spend more time improving my skills.
One of the projects I’m most proud of was for National Inclusion Week. We created a video featuring colleagues from across the PPF sharing what inclusion meant to them. For many, it was their first time on camera, and I felt proud that I could help them feel comfortable and supported. It was also a brilliant opportunity to meet people across the business and see the impact of authentic storytelling.
Watch the National Inclusion Week video on LinkedIn.
Balancing work and study
Balancing work and studying can be demanding at times, but having 20% of my time dedicated to learning made it manageable. I often used this time to explore webinars, podcasts and other resources that strengthened my understanding of the disciplines. I also used this time to complete mini projects as part of my assessments. These helped me build practical skills, reflect on my progress, and apply what I’d learned in real communications scenarios.
As I approach the end of my apprenticeship, one of the standout aspects has been the mentoring provided by Government Communications. Having access to people with deep experience, who are willing to share their insight and challenge me to grow, has shaped both my confidence and my aspirations. Alongside this, JGA, who delivered the programme, offered ongoing support, from structured learning journals to check-ins that kept me on track.
What’s next
Looking ahead, I hope to continue developing my career in communications and stay up to date with the impact that AI, social media and accessibility will have on the work I produce.
To anyone considering a Government Communications apprenticeship, I would encourage you to apply. I feel valued within my team and supported by my tutors and skills coach. Over the course of the programme I have improved my skills and, with that, my confidence.