Apprentice Public Relations & Communications Assistant

Are you a friendly and outgoing person with a keen interest in public relations and communications who is looking for a career with a company that really values your contribution and can offer you award-winning training opportunities? Read on as we may have just the apprenticeship you are looking for!

Our apprentices are the future of our business. On our higher-level Apprenticeship programme, you will learn the skills to become a successful Communications Executive with a fantastic range of future career options ahead of you.  With our current range of projects delivering exciting and creative campaigns for a large-scale national business, there could not be a more exciting time to join us. Following successful completion of your apprenticeship you will be offered a permanent role, with one of the best rental equipment providers in the industry.

You will work at our central Support Office where you will learn to:

• Develop key PR campaigns that build brand awareness across both headline brand as well as key verticals and segments using varied media planning
• Write and distribute press releases, media statements, Q&As and briefing notes, ensuring accuracy and consistent messaging
• Support in building relationships with journalists, media outlets and key external and internal stakeholders
• Monitor media coverage, prepare coverage reports and evaluate campaign performance against KPIs
• Collaborate with wider marketing, digital and internal communications teams to ensure joined-up campaign planning 
• Maintain press offices, media lists and editorial calendars to support proactive PR activity
• Expand your team working skills with your colleagues and the wider Sunbelt Rentals team
• Manage multiple tasks and deadlines as part of a varied workday in a fast-paced operational environment

We’ll provide you with a comprehensive company induction, role-specific training, and apprenticeship support. You will become a part of a larger apprentice cohort where you will be able to form lifelong relationships and engage in a wider support network.

We’ll also support your personal growth and development in line with your Sunbelt Rentals career aspirations. In addition to your apprenticeship training, you will attend in-house courses to expand your product knowledge and skills.

Apprenticeship Training

You will be completing a level 4 Public Relations & Communications Apprenticeship Standard. This will be delivered using a combination of:

• Workplace experience to gain practical skills
• Guidance and training from an experienced and qualified workplace mentor
• Industry recognised training leading to an apprenticeship qualification. You will attend training sessions remotely from the workplace, with the duration of the apprenticeship training being 21 months.

What you will need to bring to the role from day one:

• Enthusiasm 
• Motivation and a willingness to learn new skills
• Creativity
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• Initiative
• Confidence with computer skills and the use of technology
• An eagerness to understand the wider Sunbelt Rentals business
• The ability to engage and build relationships with key stakeholders
• The ability to develop excellent customer service skills
• A flexible and adaptable approach
• An understanding that some travel and visits to additional company sites within the UK may be a requirement as part of the role
• A minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 4 or above including Maths and English
• Additional qualifications at A Level, BTEC level 3 or a prior Level 3 Apprenticeship in a related subject area are required for this role

Sunbelt Rentals is the leader in equipment rentals in the UK, Ireland, US and Canada - as well as specialist operations in Europe.

We provide a range of solutions to every market and sector, including construction, industrial, energy, infrastructure, government and events. Our teams make the impossible possible and the unthinkable doable. Turning what if into what is.

Our people are at the heart of our values and they’re our greatest asset. We rely on you to look after our customers so in return, we take good care of you. We recognise the value and uniqueness of our team-mates and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive Sunbelt Rentals, providing equality of opportunity and a culture of fairness and respect. Your health, safety and wellbeing is really important to us. We’re raising awareness and providing support through initiatives such as our mental health awareness campaign and first-aider programme. You’ll also be able to access a 24-7 employee assistance helpline, counselling services and financial wellbeing support.