During my time at Storm Communications as a PRCA Apprentice, I have been completely submerged, engaged and absorbed into the fast-paced, lively and (sometimes) hectic world of Public Relations. In a typical day I might go from brainstorming ideas for one client, to looking over monthly reports and budgets for another. However in a varied day, one thing is always the guaranteed: life as a PRCA apprentice is certainly exciting, upbeat and creative.

One of the things I most enjoy about being an apprentice is that I am able to learn alongside being in a full time job. This means that I will be coming out the other side of this PRCA apprenticeship with a Level 4 qualification in Public Relations, a year’s hands-on experience in the industry and a bit of savings as well (hopefully)!

The apprenticeship programme offers an alternative route into a competitive industry that is currently dominated by graduates. I believe it’s critical that young adults are offered – or even just informed about – these alternative routes; I know from first-hand experience that when I was at school, I was never told about any options other than university. The truth is university doesn’t suit everyone, so I believe schools should really start introducing other paths students can take after they finish their GSCEs or A Levels.

My journey to get to this role was quite stressful and complicated, and it never needed to be that way. Once I decided I didn’t want to go to university, I began looking for other options. I was completely uninformed and I knew none of the possibilities available to me after secondary school other than getting a degree. I stumbled across apprenticeships.org.uk after looking at many school leavers’ schemes that really didn’t fit my interests.

Looking through all the options available on the website, I was amazed at the vast and diverse range of industries you can enrol in apprenticeships. Before this, I had only heard of them for manual labour focused roles. As English Literature was always my favourite subject and the one I have always excelled in at school, I knew I wanted to be in a job surrounded by creativity and writing.  After few interviews, I stumbled across an advertised role in PR, went along to the interview not knowing what to expect and instantly felt drawn to this competitive, hard working but fundamentally fun and diverse industry. That was me set! Two weeks later, I started my role at Storm and haven’t looked back since.

So to help celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, I am doing my bit to help raise awareness of this worthwhile and rewarding route into PR.  Truth is, there are so many possible career paths and so many different ways to get to the top that students shouldn’t be guided blindly to just considering one option that ultimately may not work for them. You never know, next year this could be you!

Interested?  The find out more about apprenticeships, visit  http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/, talk directly to the Public Relations Consultancy Association (PRCA) about their apprenticeship scheme or take  part in this year’s Creative Pioneers™ Challenge  –  an award-winning nationwide campaign to find the next generation of advertising, PR, creative and digital media talent.  www.creativepioneers.co.uk