Apprentice - External Communications

Job IntroductionReady to start your career and make a real impact?

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) is recruiting enthusiastic apprentices to join our team and help shape the future of our region. If you’re looking for a chance to earn, learn and grow in a supportive public‑sector environment, this is your moment.
Why join the MCA?

At the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, you'll be part of the work shaping the future of our region. From improving transport and supporting greener communities to creating opportunities for local people, you'll contribute to projects that make a real difference. You'll see the impact of your work in the communities around you while building valuable skills for your future.

What you'll get

• A fully funded apprenticeship qualification
• Paid, hands-on experience in a supportive public sector organisation
• Training, mentoring and opportunities to develop your career
• A welcoming workplace where we value being Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, Confident and Innovative
• The chance to make a positive impact across the West of England

What we're looking for

We're looking for enthusiastic people who are ready to learn, work as part of a team and commit to completing their apprenticeship. You'll also need:

• 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above)
• Minimum 2 A Levels / predicted grades August 2026) - Grade C or above, or the equivalent qualification)?
• Good communication and basic IT skills (Microsoft Office or equivalent)
• Good organisational and time management skills, with a reliable and professional approach
• A positive attitude, curiosity and a willingness to learn and develop
• The ability to work collaboratively, showing resilience, enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering your best
• Right to work in the UK and meet the government's apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.

If you're reliable, enthusiastic and ready for your next step, we'd love to hear from you OR If you're ready to learn new skills, build your experience and make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

External Communications:

Apprenticeship - Public relations and communications assistant – Level 4

What I'll do:

• Support the delivery of communications activity and campaigns that drive engagement and contribute to organisational objectives, working collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.
• Create content across a range of channels and formats, including writing copy and creating social media posts.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, sharing information and gathering insights to support communications activity.
• Help to monitor, evaluate and report on the performance of communications activity and campaigns.
• Demonstrate a good knowledge of current affairs, the media and communications industry - including the importance of social media to maximise reach and engagement.
• Use IT systems and software to support communications output. This may extend to the production of non-written content such as images, videos or creating graphics.

About The Company

Our offer

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).

• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The annual salary for this role is £26,403 - £27,694. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

Good Employment Charter
https://www.goodemploymentcharter.co.uk/
As a founding Member of the West of England Good Employment Charter and accredited Living Wage Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse environment where all our employees can thrive. We make sure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and we particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or citizenship status.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

As part of our commitment to fair and inclusive recruitment, we provide interview questions to all shortlisted candidates in advance/on request. This approach helps ensure everyone can demonstrate their skills, knowledge and experience fully, and supports our duties under the Equality Act 2010. You will also be asked follow-up questions during the interview to explore your responses in more detail.

Reasonable Adjustments
If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates
Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.