Communications and Engagement Assistant Review
at Suffolk County Council
Higher Level Apprenticeship
PR and Communications
Ipswich
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.3 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
Creating social media content, email newsletters, analysing engagement statistics, working with other team members to promote events, website updates, writing and creating blogs and press releases, working with other teams in collaboration and promotion of their projects, helping at events, making video content.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Found the diversity and nature of the programme enjoyable. Some of the tasks I struggled to complete due to the structure of my organisation, but mostly I was able to work around them. I enjoyed the learning days and they interlinked well with what I was doing at work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Writing tailored content for different audiences
Working with community groups and diverse stakeholders
Filmmaking for different briefs.
Email newsletter and content generation.
Creating and tailoring campaign and social media plans
Website layout and content creation.
Working with community groups and diverse stakeholders
Filmmaking for different briefs.
Email newsletter and content generation.
Creating and tailoring campaign and social media plans
Website layout and content creation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Weekly tasks were clearly laid out and in digestible chunks. Learning days were also well structured with a mix of collaborative tasks, individual working and "classroom time". I think the EPA part felt a bit messy and disorganised at times, regarding expectations about when stuff was due in and what was weighted and how.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Suffolk County Council were supportive, allowing me a study day per week to focus on my apprenticeship. Towards the end of my programme, I felt they were more restrictive and there was inconsistency in letting people have time off, as it seemed to range from 2 days to 2 weeks depending on individual managers. My manager was incredibly supportive with my project.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
My training provider was good, arranging regular catch ups and providing wellbeing support for me when I was struggling with a bereavement. My learning difficulties were catered for and well supported, with adjustments made. I was allowed to extend tasks where needed, however, there was some confusion about how long and how they were extended.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I have now switched rolls since my apprenticeship, but I feel like my skills and what I have learnt is beneficial to my new job. I am more creative, focused, and can help plan our communications and engagement content to a higher level, especially when engaging with the public about controversial topics.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
I have been a member of a network at my job, which has helped me meet more individuals across different departments. There are professional opportunities to meet and collaborate on a more professional level with specific focuses. Additionally, my team host optional monthly drinks and pub trips but there is no pressure to go. A good work-life balance is encouraged.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Suffolk County Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They have been a supportive employer and helped me with my learning. My managers have been kind and supportive, and given me opportunity to upskill. Drawback is fixed term contracts, so I had to find a new role which was tricky in balancing with my EPA at the end, as well as the mental pressure this put on me.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Suffolk County Council?
Make the most of your opportunities, network around the council and develop and nurture relationships in different departments. Use your apprenticeship days to study, and get ahead where you can with your learning as it will help you stay organised in the long run.
