STONE JUNCTION IS BROADENING ITS TALENT POOL BY OFFERING A PR APPRENTICESHIP
WE’VE DEVELOPED A DEDICATED TRAINING PROGRAM AIMED TO GUIDE APPRENTICES AS THEY ENTER THE INDUSTRY
TECHNICAL PR AGENCY LAUNCHES APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME TO BROADEN TALENT ROSTER
Stone Junction, a leading technical PR agency based in Stafford, has welcomed a PR apprentice to its expanding team. Alice Blackwell joins Stone Junction as part of a year-long apprenticeship scheme supported by the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), as the agency offers an avenue into the industry without the need for a university degree.
WE’VE DEVELOPED A DEDICATED TRAINING PROGRAM AIMED TO GUIDE APPRENTICES AS THEY ENTER THE INDUSTRY
With a team of 32 dedicated professionals, Stone Junction specialises in providing strategic PR and marketing services to clients in the technical and engineering sectors.
The agency is home to experts from a range of backgrounds, including speakers of eleven different languages and several former journalists, and the team holds 15 bachelors’, master’s or PhD degrees in STEM subjects.
Now, Stone Junction is broadening its talent pool by offering a PR apprenticeship. Following an overwhelming response of over 900 applicants in its recruitment round, Alice Blackwell began her apprenticeship in November 2023. Having studied Business, Digital Media and Sociology at Sixth Form and with the experience of starting her first small business at the age of 14, Alice’s passion for business growth drew her to the PR industry. She is keen to combine her education, industry experience and creative flair at Stone Junction.
Laura England, account director and member of the agency’s board of directors, sheds light on the motivations behind the appointment and highlights the benefits of an apprenticeship in PR.
“We wanted to create more opportunities for aspiring PR professionals who may not have a degree. Not everyone’s career path has to follow the same traditional route. With the support of the PRCA, we’ve developed a dedicated training program aimed to guide apprentices as they enter the industry.”
STONE JUNCTION AIMS TO CHALLENGE THIS NORM
WHEN RESEARCHING STONE JUNCTION, I REALLY LIKED THE COMPANY CULTURE AND THEIR VALUES
A recent study conducted by the PRCA revealed that most PR employees hold some form of degree. Stone Junction aims to challenge this norm by offering apprenticeships that provide a viable alternative for those interested in PR.
“I didn’t want to go to university as I didn’t like the idea of studying full-time when I could be gaining valuable work experience instead. I felt that, for what I wanted to do, having real-life experience would be more beneficial,” Blackwell explains.
“When researching Stone Junction, I really liked the company culture and their values, and I felt that they would be able to help me strive for success throughout my apprenticeship. More so than any experience I would’ve gained through going to university.”