Level 4 PR & Communications Assistant Apprenticeship

Krystal Starkey started her Nestlé apprenticeship in October 2022, working towards a Level 4 PR & Communications Assistant apprenticeship. With 18 months to go, she's operating independently on projects that support a variety of Britain's best-loved brands.

I used to work as a journalist for a local magazine, and I was nine and half years in when I realised I needed a change. I wanted to learn new skills, but I needed to keep earning, so an apprenticeship suited me perfectly.

Moving into media relations meant I could build on what I already knew from the other side of the fence, while working for a hugely respected global business with a great reputation as a local employer. I haven't looked back since day one.

I get to be around real experts in the field. One day I'll be one of them.

Learning every day

I know I'm getting all the training and support I need at Nestlé. A fifth of my contracted work hours are allocated to off the job learning. And I'm trusted to fit my life around work – meaning I work when I work best.

When I'm at work, new experiences come my way all the time. A highlight has to be going into the factories and seeing the production lines in action, but there are more subtle moments too, that make me realise how far I've come.

I'm increasingly trusted to manage activity, as well as carrying out my daily tasks more independently – things like managing press enquiries, tracking media coverage of Nestlé and ensuring internal stakeholders are up to date with what's going on.

Seeing projects come to life

It was amazing to work on the relaunch of the Quality Street refill station in John Lewis last year – the Nestlé brands themselves are household names, and it was great be involved in a key customer partnership.

We worked really hard to promote the launch via the media and drive footfall in the run up to Christmas. There's nothing quite like seeing press coverage for a project you've worked so hard on – especially in the national news.

Don't think twice

If you're thinking about a career change, whatever your stage in life, my advice is to go for it. I imagined making the move to be harder than it was, which I think held me back to start with.

While I wish I'd started my Nestlé apprenticeship sooner, I'm determined to make up for lost time, and I know I'm in the right environment to do just that.

I get stuck into everything that comes my way, and in the long term, I'd love for future apprentices to see me as one of the experts in the business that I so admire today.