GCS Advance: Apprenticeship

Applications for the 2024/25 GCS Advance Apprenticeship programme have now closed.

The award-winning Government Communication Service (GCS) Apprenticeship offers a brilliant opportunity to learn while you earn, and develop the skills you need to begin your career in communications.

On this page:

Learn more about the apprenticeship.


About the 18-month programme

A GCS Apprenticeship will develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to begin an exciting career in communications. Our 18-month apprenticeship combines work in one or more teams across government communications with academic study. You will be working towards a level 4 PR and Communications apprenticeship.


Our employees should reflect the people we’re communicating with and we welcome your application irrespective of social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability. We are looking to recruit from the widest pool of candidates with a diversity of views and experiences so that the GCS can be truly representative of the society it serves.


During your apprenticeship, you will be placed in a government department or public body. You will gain valuable work experience in various communications specialisms including:

  • external affairs
  • marketing
  • internal communication
  • media
  • strategic communication
  • digital communication
  • insight

Learn more about each of these disciplines.

You will contribute to exciting new ideas and real issues that affect real people. You could find yourself:

  • organising key events and visits;
  • using digital and social media to interest and engage people;
  • working on government campaigns to encourage community participation; or
  • researching and analysing the needs of a variety of audiences.

Key information on the Apprenticeship:

  • Duration: 18 months
  • Apprenticeship:  Level 4 PR and Communications
  • Grade: Administrative Officer
  • Salary: You could earn around £21,000 – £28,096 (depending on location and department allocation)
  • Location: National
  • Remote working will be supported and reviewed based on government guidelines
  • Recruitment process: short application form, CV assessment, full application form with a 500-word statement of suitability, video interview.

We need people who can:

  • Demonstrate an interest in news stories and have an understanding of current affairs and the work of the Government Communication profession;
  • Use communication tools and channels to deliver key messages; evaluate the impact and effectiveness of
  • campaigns
  • Be flexible, proactive and able to work under pressure to deadlines.
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal, written, presentation and verbal skills;
  • Be organised and creative and demonstrate the ability to work effectively, independently and as part of a team

Eligibility: who can apply

The GCS Advance Apprenticeship is aimed at all levels, ages, and academic backgrounds.

To apply, you must have:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 (A*-C) or equivalent including English and Maths
  • the equivalent of 2 A levels achieved by September 2024

In addition to the above requirement when applying for an apprenticeship, you must:

  • be aged 16 or older
  • not be in full-time education
  • must not hold a level 4 qualification including a degree in a communications-related field
  • have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom
  • be undertaking only one apprenticeship at any one time
  • have been living in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the last 3 years before starting an apprenticeship
  • you must be a British citizen to work in some placements, and additional clearance checks may be required depending on your placement. Please note your placement and start date is dependent upon the completion of security clearance

Contact

For any queries about the application process, contact gcsprofession.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.