PR and Communications Apprentice Review

I am the PR and Communications Apprentice for Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden. I monitor press coverage for the tour and studios, handle ticket requests for press and VIP's. I monitor the press inbox for photo requests and filming opportunities. I assist with photocalls and events happening at the tour. I look after the competitor report and draft the internal weekly update. I look after the CSR budget, cheque requests and charity request responses. I organise assets and do general administration.

I have learnt how to look after press filming requests and how to run projects. I have liaised with press and charity organisations. I learnt how to manage a budget and write copy. Also, I completed the Miers Brigs training course and completed the Outsource IT exam. I have gained the NVQ in Marketing Level 3 and the Diploma in the Principles of Marketing.

I really enjoy the work that I do for the Studio Tour. Every day there is something different to work on as requests come in and we respond. The Marketing team is constantly working on the next feature to appear at the tour and this involves being creative and working as a team. The company is incredibly supportive and gives you responsibilities which make you feel part of the team. This apprenticeship has exceeded my expectations because I have had the opportunity to work with various publications, Warner Bros. film publicity and local charity organisations. I had the chance to work on the Forbidden Forest expansion campaign from start to finish and it was an absolutely incredible experience. The Marketing department and the entire tour is a fun, hard working group who always want to maintain the excellent standards and the joy the tour brings to visitors.

Warner Bros. makes you feel valued by giving appreciation for entire departments after a successful campaign. I have received appreciation from my managers when I have gone above and beyond my job role. I have been made to feel valued by being included in tasks and projects from the beginning which has given me the chance to use my creativity and really feel involved.

My programme was initially well structured because at the beginning I had the chance to learn the aspects of my job role and complete my apprenticeship coursework. However, as I was given more responsibilities as the months went on, I haven't been given as structured a programme. I have weekly catch ups with my manager and I have been offered training when needed. I was given a mentor who had completed the apprenticeship programme and had gone on to be given a full time role by the company. I loved having a mentor to talk to and help me with any questions I might have.

I found my training provider, Outsource to be sometimes lacking in support because they did not always tell me up front what I needed to complete. Things such as workshops and exams were not given to me with enough information and notice so I did not always feel prepared. I found Outsource to not be that organised and this clashed with how organised Warner Bros. likes to be. On the support side, my assessors were always helpful and would come see me every few weeks. They would answer my emails quickly and would always want to support me. However, I found Outsource as a training provider to be sometimes confusing as I was not told the full curriculum before an exam.

I have received a lot of support from the HR team and my mentor who have both answered any questions I might have and support me in many ways. My managers have been supportive as they have given me advice for working in the PR/Marketing industry and for becoming a more accomplished worker.

I live close to the Studio Tour and can either walk or get the staff bus free of charge. I would say my salary roughly meets my costs.

As an apprentice I am a member of Warner Bros. Creative Talent programme which is made up of scholars and apprentices. We are given chances to go to screenings and talks by the film industry professionals. The company provides many fitness classes and I took part in core strengthening classes and Muay Thai boxing classes. The company works with local charities to provide sponsorship for events and employees have the opportunity to take part in these events. I have given my time to help these charities with their events and activities.

Yes

I would recommend Warner Bros. to a friend because it is a fun and hard working company which works towards the tour being an amazing place to visit. There are many opportunities to expand your job role and to work with many different departments at the tour. My apprenticeship was a full on year of hard work, dedication, creativity and enjoyment.

If you have researched the company and know why you want to work for them, make this clear. Prepare for your interview and make sure you have read the full job description. If you get a role with Warner Bros. you should take full advantage of the opportunity and ask questions and have a list of things you would like to do. You always have the opportunity to ask to do different things and be involved with different projects.