Two new starters have joined the team at a Wellington-based PR agency as the firm continues its commitment to supporting school leavers and graduates.
Libby Everson and Eleanor Jones were both offered jobs at Wellington-based agency J&PR Ltd after they excelled during voluntary work experience placements.
The two aspiring PR and marketing executives now join directors Kirsty Smallman and Rhea Alton, along with the rest of their team, at the company offices on Church Street.
Libby, 18, who lives in Wellington, was studying A-levels at Shrewsbury College when she enjoyed a week’s work experience placement at J&PR. Undecided on whether she wanted to go to university or do an apprenticeship, Libby turned to directors Kirsty and Rhea for advice.
Kirsty said: “We talked through Libby’s options for career routes within the industry and offered our support and advice. We didn’t want to influence her decision fully, but were delighted when she came back to us and said she would be looking into an apprenticeship and would like to complete it with us here at J&PR.
“Libby is now a Multi-Channel Marketing Apprentice with Shrewsbury-based provider SBC Training and has been a great asset to the team.”
Eleanor, 21, from Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury, applied for work experience at J&PR during her second year studying PR and Media at Birmingham City University.
Following a successful work placement, Kirsty and Rhea offered Eleanor a part-time job as a Digital Assistant, which she could do alongside her university lectures and her home study.
“I am very enthusiastic about work experience opportunities, and I continually call for more Shropshire businesses to offer placements,” adds Kirsty. “My work experience portfolio and references allowed me to get into the top Journalism degree course in the country, and I think work experience is more important than ever in the post-COVID world.
“Work experience placements are an important part of recruitment for an employer, as they offer a valuable recruitment pipeline – and for the student too, as they are given the opportunity to taste an industry and make their decision as to whether it is right for them.”
Rhea said that a qualification, such as a degree, often does not provide the industry experience that businesses like J&PR are looking for, so Eleanor’s work experience was an extremely important part of the process.
She said: “Young people can access careers advice, listen to stories from colleagues and be inspired by those around them – or they may think it isn’t for them at the end of the experience, and that is equally as useful too. A few days, a week, or regular visits can make a huge difference in the next steps for that person.
“We have recruited the majority of our team through work experience placements, and Libby is now the third apprentice to go through the Multi-Channel Marketing apprenticeship with SBC Training.
“Libby and Eleanor both made a fabulous impression on everyone at J&PR during their work experience placements, and we knew they would fit in perfectly.”
Libby said: “I really enjoyed my work experience placement with J&PR, and it was clear how enthusiastic everyone was for the job they do and for the team around them.
“I was so unsure about whether university would be right for me, so the advice from Kirsty, who went to university, and Rhea, who did an apprenticeship, was invaluable for being able to come to the right decision for me.
“To then be offered a job was brilliant and totally unexpected. It allowed me to complete my A-Level studies knowing I had a job confirmed, and I also got to enjoy Camp America in the summer before starting, so that was brilliant.
“I’m really enjoying my course with SBC Training and love how they invite industry lecturers in too.”
Eleanor added: “Joining the team at J&PR has allowed me to use the skills I have been learning as part of my PR and Media degree at university.
“It was wonderful to be offered a part-time paid role in the industry, whilst still studying, and Kirsty and Rhea are flexible as to what hours I do according to my timetable and workload. In such a short time, I have already worked with numerous clients and been able to develop and enhance the skills I learned at university.
“I look forward to graduating next year and then seeing what further opportunities there could be at J&PR.”
For more information about J&PR, visit www.jandpr.com and follow on socials @jandpr
