Level: 4
Standard code: ST0311
Standard version: 1.1
Typical duration to gateway (excluding EPA period): 14 months.
Maximum funding: £11,000.
Apprenticeship Overview
Public relations and communications assistants play a vital role in building, protecting, and maintaining the reputation of brands, organisations, and individuals across the public, private, and third sectors. Working in-house or for agencies, they craft and deliver effective communications to engage diverse audiences, including the media, stakeholders, and the public. Their responsibilities include creating written and multimedia content, supporting campaigns, managing stakeholder relationships, and analysing campaign impact. With a strong knowledge of current affairs, media, and industry practices, they ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and sustainability standards, leveraging IT tools for tasks such as film production, live streaming, and infographic design.
EPA Gateway
In addition to the employer’s confirmation that the apprentice is working at or above the level in the occupational standard, the apprentice must submit the following gateway requirements.
For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and Mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those who have BSL as their primary language.
A summary (of no more than 500 words) which includes the project plan, research requirements and time frame. It should align with the assessment criteria and knowledge, skills and behaviours listed in the assessment plan for AM1.
A selection of the best pieces of evidence gathered by an apprentice during their apprenticeship. The evidence should demonstrate how an apprentice has carried out specific work tasks mapped to the assessment criteria and knowledge, skills and behaviours listed in the assessment plan for AM2.
Public Relations and Communications Assistant EPA
The EPA consists of two assessment methods.
A 3,000-word project report based on an on-programme project, submitted by the end of week 12 of the EPA period. A presentation based on the project report is also prepared and is submitted at the same time as the report.
A presentation with questioning session will follow with an independent assessor; the presentation will take 15 minutes and will be followed by 25 minutes of questioning.
A 60-minute two-way discussion underpinned by the portfolio, which involves both the independent assessor and the apprentice actively listening and participating in a formal conversation.
Grading
Apprentices must pass both assessment methods (1 & 2), which can be taken in any order, to successfully complete their apprenticeship. Grades awarded are fail, pass, or distinction. Apprentices will receive their grade ten working days after completing their final assessment method.
Links
Link to Apprenticeship Standard
Link to qualification specification
Register your organisation and apprentices with us to access our EPA preparation materials.
If you would like to know more about our products...
Click on the link below to have a member from Accelerate People reach out to you.