Apprenticeship programme information
Applications for the 2025/26 GCS Advance Apprenticeship programme are now open
On this page:
Background
The apprenticeship is a development programme and involves having a full time job, as well as completing training courses and assignments to equip you to work in the communications profession. We were involved in creating the PR and communications standard, and were the first organisation to have learners complete the standard.
The apprenticeship is a key initiative in the GCS Diversity and Inclusion strategy aiming to strengthen diversity and representation in our early talent pipeline, from entry-level to senior civil servants. Our scheme aims to bring school leavers and those considering a career change into GCS, to begin a career in government communications.
In 2024, we started recruiting for our ninth apprenticeship cohort. We now have places for 28 apprentices across 16 departments/Arm’s Length Bodies (ALB’s).
The GCS Advance Apprenticeship was awarded ‘Best Apprenticeship Programme’ at the PRCA Internship and Apprenticeship Awards 2019 and shortlisted again in 2020. Read the news article: GCS success at PRCA.
The GCS Advance Apprenticeship was also shortlisted at PRCA’s PR Internships and Apprenticeships Awards in 2020, and won the PRCA Apprenticeship Employer of the Year in 2021, 2023 and 2024
Mandi Johal, GCS Advance Apprentice
“I was a primary teacher for four years and needed a career change and wanted to do something completely different, but I didn’t know what that was at the time? Not a chance. I came across the Government Communication Service Apprenticeship programme on the Civil Service website and was immediately intrigued by the communications role.”
Level 4 PR and Communications
You will be working through a level 4 Public Relations and Communications Assistant standard put together by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
During your apprenticeship, you will be exposed to different aspects of the communications profession as well as given training by our apprenticeship training provider, building your knowledge, skills and behaviours to complete the programme.
Towards the end of your apprenticeship, you will be required to complete an End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment is made up of two components:
- multiple choice knowledge test
- work-based project, involving a report, presenting and questioning.
Anyone successfully completing the apprenticeship will be eligible to apply for membership of the Public Relations & Communications Association (PRCA).
What happens after the apprenticeship?
Towards the end of the programme, the GCS People and Membership Team will provide support through interview skills workshops and with the aim to help you progress your career in the GCS.
Throughout your apprenticeship you will be supported by your line managers, the training provider, previous apprentices who have experience of the programme, mentors, and the GCS People and Membership Team.
Tips for applying
You will be required to complete an application form which consists of a 500-word personal statement. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a final video interview.
We suggest you:
- Use ‘I’ not ‘we’ – The panel wants to know about what ‘you’ did, not anyone else. Only use ‘we’ when it is necessary and relevant to your example.
- Read the job description several times – It is particularly important you read the eligibility and essential criteria more than once to make sure you understand the role you are applying for, and what is expected of you.
- Link your evidence to the job advert – This includes your experience, knowledge and any transferable skills which show what you have previously learnt and how you can apply this to the role.
- Check through your application – Make sure you have clearly explained how you meet all the requirements outlined in the job advert.
- All information must be current and up to date – This includes any references you have made to previous jobs/qualifications in your personal statement/CV.
- Get a second opinion – Before you submit your application ask someone to read through it as they might spot something you haven’t.
What other apprentices have to say
Rachel Murray, GCS Advance Apprentice
“I have found that the GCS team supporting me and my colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office do care very much about my experience and success as an apprentice who has never been in this industry before. I have been encouraged to get experience in as many teams as I would like and I have the freedom to take on tasks that are going to be beneficial for my progression.”
Sarah Baxendale, GCS Advance Apprentice
“What attracted me to an apprenticeship, rather than a degree, was the prospect of kick-starting my career whilst earning a salary and still gaining a qualification at the end. […] I have been able to build upon my confidence, teamwork, and organisational skills by working on different projects with colleagues across the communications team. These have included pitching articles to legal outlets, scheduling social media posts and media monitoring. I enjoy working with my team who are all very supportive and will assist with anything I need help with!”
Daniel Greenwood, GCS Advance Apprentice
“The GCS Apprenticeship programme drew me in for many reasons. It was an opportunity to make a career change from the private sector to the public sector, and to work in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) whose goals I am passionate about.”
Further support
The GCS People and Membership team look forward to welcoming you to the GCS and will support your induction through to next steps with a careers workshop towards the end of your scheme.
Please submit any questions you have about the apprenticeship to: gcs-apprenticeship@cabinetoffice.gov.uk