PR Training Programme
The Taylor Bennett Foundation’s award-winning PR Training Programme is a paid full-time, 8-week intensive training programme in Public Relations (PR), Public Affairs & Communications. With no previous experience required, the programme has been designed to increase ethnic diversity within the profession, equipping graduates with the relevant networks, knowledge and skills to springboard their career into the industry.
About the Programme
Open to graduates from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background, our award-winning PR Training Programme is a traineeship that aims to provide you with the fundamental skills, insights and training to kickstart a career in the PR & Communications industry. All traineeships are paid through a training allowance of the national minimum wage (in line with your age) and an additional amount to cover travel expenses up to Zones 1-3.
Holistic in nature, through immersive training workshops (covering topics such as navigating a crisis, pitching a story into the media and press release writing) mentorship and employability coaching, the PR Training Programme will teach you how to network effectively, develop your corporate advisory skillset (such as research, analysis & conveying messages with impact) whilst you decide what area of PR is for you.
PR Training Programme Partners
Several training programmes run throughout the year and each programme has a different partner. Our current programme partners are:
The autumn PR Training Programme will run from October 7th – November 29th 2024 and will be delivered alongside our programme partner FTI Consulting.
FTI Consulting is the #1 global expert firm for organisations facing crisis and transformation. Aligned with their tagline, ‘experts with impact’, each practice area of FTI Consulting includes leading experts defined by their depth of knowledge and track record of delivering client value when it matters most.
Specifically, FTI’s Strategic Communication practice helps clients use their communications assets to seize opportunities, manage crises, navigate market disruptions, articulate their brand, stake a competitive position, and preserve their permission to operate.
Programme Outline
The FTI Consulting PR Training programme is an intensive (cohort-based) PR and Communications traineeship that centres on the Strategic Communications segment of FTI Consulting.
This segment designs and executes communications strategies for clients managing financial, regulatory and reputational challenges. Throughout the 8-week programme, you can expect:
Employability & Pastoral Support
Employability is embedded throughout the 8-week programme to ensure you have the tools to plan your future in the industry. This includes 1-2-1 mentoring from FTI Consulting, CV & cover letter workshops, mock interviews and job application support.
Skills Development
Practical training on the role of a Strategic Communications Consultant alongside building a generalist skill set to confidently deliver the fundamentals as a consultant. Some practical training will include; understanding the campaign creation process, learning how to present, strategy, storytelling within PR, press release writing, media monitoring and stakeholder engagement.
Training
Immersive in-person workshops delivered by FTI Consulting that provide an insight into the role of a Consultant and their practice areas. This can include areas such as Public Affairs, ESG, Crisis Communications, Strategy Consulting, Corporate & Financial Communications
Masterclasses
Weekly in-person masterclasses delivered by a range of PR agencies & in-house communications teams to showcase and help you decide the area of PR you would love to go into. From consumer, entertainment and lifestyle to investor relations, healthcare, technology and policy, there is something for everyone!
Networking
Through our weekly masterclasses, FTI Consulting workshops and facilitated alumni events, trainees will have numerous opportunities to build relationships not only with their peers on the programme but the wider communications industry.
Programme Eligibility
• You must be from a Black, Asian and/ or minority ethnic background.
• You must be a graduate who has graduated within the last three years. We accept applications from graduates who have studied any subject.
• You must be a British national or have an immigration status that allows you to be employed in the UK at the time of the programme.
• You must be strongly interested in the work of FTI Consulting and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in Public Relations (PR) and communications.
• You must be able to commit to the full in-person programme, which will be based in London (Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm).
How to make a strong application
Previous work experience within PR is not required for this programme as we are seeking potential over experience! Instead, within your application, we want to see your passion for the world of communications, the news and business, and how this is interconnected with politics, media and social issues.
Think about why you are interested in PR & Communications and specifically within FTI Consulting. We are keen to understand what it is about strategic communications that appeals to you, why you want to learn more about PR as a career path and your interest in developing your corporate advisory skillset.
We are keen to see your willingness to learn, curiosity and the possession of strong written and communication skills. Be concise with your answers and share what you hope to achieve and gain from participating in our holistic programme.
How do I apply?
Applications for our Taylor Bennett Foundation & FTI Consulting PR Training Programme are open. To apply for the programme, please click the ‘apply’ link below to complete our written application form. Eligible graduates will need to apply by August 15th 2024 (11.59pm).
Once submitted, shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an initial interview with the Foundation on the weeks commencing August 19th & 26th 2024. If successful, applicants will be invited to attend a final stage in-person assessment day on September 20th 2024 (a virtual pre-assessment briefing will be provided ahead of the assessment day).
If you have any queries regarding the PR Training Programme or application process, please contact applications@taylorbennettfoundation.org.
