Experience Nottinghamshire apprentice achieves first-ever PRCA qualification in Nottinghamshire

Media release: 22 July 2014 

Experience Nottinghamshire, the Destination Management Organisation responsible for driving leisure and business visitors to the county, is delighted that one of their apprentices has achieved the first-ever PRCA level four diploma in Nottinghamshire.

The PRCA (Public Relations Consultants Association) is the vocational body for the Public Relations industry, and has a strong working relationship with Creative Process, a London based college specialising in creative apprenticeships. With expertise from PRCA, the two organisations were able to construct the framework with compulsory units so that apprentices completing the level four diploma, which is equivalent to a foundation degree, learn everything they need to know about the industry.

Experience Nottinghamshire employed Carly Jones in July 2013 as a PR Assistant apprentice, working in partnership with Futures Apprenticeship Agency, a Government approved employment brokerage service and recognised apprenticeship training agency. As well as committing to day-to-day tasks and learning on the job industry skills, Carly had to also complete mandatory units in order to complete the level four apprenticeship qualification. 

Francis Ingham, PRCA Director General, said: “Well done to Carly Jones for completing her PR Apprenticeship – she joins the many young stars that have come through the PR Apprenticeship scheme with a nationally-recognised qualification. I’m sure she will go on to great things in the communications business.”

Andrew Carmichael, Chief Executive Officer, Creative Process, said: “It is especially pleasing that we have an apprentice based outside of London who has achieved the challenging level four apprenticeship in Public Relations. Carly has more than competently fulfilled a role within a successful communications team and her disciplined approach to her work and constant striving for perfection provides us with a blueprint for all of our higher level apprentices.”

Linda Parker, PR Manager, Experience Nottinghamshire, said: “We are delighted that Carly is the first apprentice in Nottinghamshire to complete the PRCA level four diploma. Carly has benefited from having on-the-job experience along with more structured training through the PRCA framework.”

Tony de Villiers, Employment Adviser, Futures Apprenticeship Agency, said: “Experience Nottinghamshire and Futures Apprenticeship Agency have worked in partnership to provide Carly with an opportunity to enter the competitive field of PR. Carly has the qualifications and skills to succeed at university, however she chose an apprenticeship because it offered her the ability to gain associated skills in a real world environment.”