Q&a With Trinity Pr Apprentice Niamh Donnelly

To conclude National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to our first ever apprentice Niamh Donnelly about how she is finding her Higher Apprenticeship in Public Relations.

1. What attracted you to this apprenticeship?

I went to University in 2014 to study a degree in BA Multimedia Journalism but unfortunately due to a long-term injury I had to drop out during my first year. Following my recovery, I decided that going back to University wasn’t for me but I was still interested in working in the communications and media industry. So, when I saw this role advertised at Trinity Public Relations, I knew I had to apply!

2. What is your PR highlight to date?

There have been so many great moments since I started at Trinity PR 8 months ago, it is hard to choose one! A few of my personal highlights include an appearance on BBC West Midlands Today television of the CEO of our client Cohesion Recruitment on GCSE Results Day 2018, placing a case study from the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young in the Evening Standard, working at an MP Health Summit for client Omnicell and securing a 4-page spread for healthcare company Contura in Women’s Running Magazine about the sensitive issue of stress urinary incontinence.

3. Is it hard juggling office life and studies?

As an apprentice I am entitled to one study day per week when I usually complete webinars and work on my projects. I sometimes find it difficult to switch out of office mode on this day and often find myself checking work emails for journalist replies or updates on campaigns I am working on.

4. Would you recommend an apprenticeship to other people looking to work in PR?

Yes, I would! I feel this apprenticeship has really given me opportunities and allowed me to build connections in the industry. I am getting valuable experience as well as up-to-date training from PR professionals and access to a wide range of courses provided by the PRCA, which is something new graduates don’t have.

5. Do you think there is enough positive PR about apprenticeships?

Whilst at college I barely knew anything about apprenticeships and the ones I had heard of were generally within the construction/building industry or professions such as hairdressing. I think in the recent years, apprenticeships have become widely recognised but there is definitely more that needs to be done to encourage others to apply for these roles. I also think schools and careers advisers could be more proactive in promoting the range of apprenticeships on offer, especially as an alternative to University.