Huddersfield-based PR and marketing agency KC Communications has announced that it will be running a summer work experience program aimed at 14-18-year-olds as it seeks to fill in the gaps left as a result of the pandemic.

The firm, which was named Yorkshire SME Apprenticeship Employer of the Year in the National Apprenticeship Awards 2020, and was shortlisted in the National Graduate Recruitment Awards following a nomination by the University of Huddersfield, is a firm advocate in supporting the next generation with meaningful work experience opportunities.

The idea for the Summer Work Experience Program came about after KC Communications founder and managing director Katrina Cliffe had a conversation with her 15-year-old daughter, Stevie, about a recent Careers Week at her high school. 

Upon hearing about the lack of meaningful engagement with businesses in her daughter’s chosen subject fields, Katrina, with the support of her colleagues, set out to provide opportunities that would make a positive impact after the challenges faced by young people trying to gain skills and, more importantly, an understanding of different career routes as a result of the pandemic.

Initially announcing the idea on social media, within an hour three young people were enrolled on the programme which involves a week at KC Communications‘ newly-refurbished offices in Lindley.

The program will enable those taking part the opportunity to join in client meetings, create content, use PR tools and undertake training on a range of industry platforms to add these skills to their CVs.

They will also undertake simulated interviews and be provided with feedback along with a reference to support their first steps into their chosen careers.

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Commenting on the launch of the programme, Katrina said: “Thinking back to when I was younger, I had multiple opportunities to gain work experience, which just doesn’t seem to be the case nowadays.

“For me, these opportunities not only instilled a great work ethic but helped me in my journey to discover the career I wanted to pursue.

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“Hearing from my daughter how she felt the careers education being provided didn’t meet her expectations, and her frustrations for her peers, kick-started the idea that we could play a role in helping young people to get a taste of what working in PR involves.”

The programme runs throughout the six week summer holidays and a number of spaces are still available. For more information contact Lana Eardley on talent@kccomms.co.uk