Leading the way in the industry

Nov. 22, 2012 - PRLog -- The course has been developed by the Public Relations Consultancy Association and delivered by national education organisation, Pearson in Practice.

Peter Ireland, 19, from Yeovil, was the successful apprenticeship candidate for ADPR and is one of only twenty six young people to gain a place on the pilot apprenticeship programme. The course, funded by the government, involves a mixture of on-the-job training within the workplace and classroom sessions at Pearson training centres around the country. Peter started the course with a two week induction programme, at the Pearson’s centre in Bristol and will continue with ‘day-release’ sessions, once a week for the following 18 months. At the end of the programme, he is expected to achieve a Level 4 BTEC in Public Relations – the equivalent of a foundation degree.  

ADPR has recently been recognised for its quality people training and development ethos through the Somerset Business Awards. Last week, the consultancy was awarded third place in the newly developed Skills for Growth Award.

Christine Ryder, ADPR’s Director responsible for training and development, sees the new apprenticeship scheme as a significant step forward for the industry. She comments, “I was thrilled when I was contacted a year ago asking for input into the proposed apprenticeship programme and was eager to sign up ADPR with a new apprentice. For many years, I hoped the Government would recognise the professionalism of the PR industry, by introducing an apprenticeship and now I am very much looking forward to seeing the programme unfold.”

Peter is delighted to have been given a place on the apprenticeship scheme and sees it as an exciting alternative to university, in his aim to achieve a recognisable qualification within a challenging professional services sector.

He says, "I was really excited when I was offered the ADPR apprenticeship. PR is a fast moving and challenging industry and I’m really lucky to have the opportunity to gain a recognisable qualification, whilst building my career. I feel this is a great opportunity for me to get into a career I will enjoy.”

ADPR boasts successful Marine and B2B/consumer divisions, working across a wide range of different industries and has recently launched a digital media service. The consultancy is also one of only 140 businesses to hold the prestigious Consultancy Management Standard qualification from the PRCA (Public Relations Consultancies Association). This stringent standard is a mixture of ISO9001 and Investors in People tailored to the communications industry.