Communications Apprentice, National Farmers Union (NFU)

Sophie is involved in the daily news briefing, using software called signal, which monitors all the media coverage the NFU receives over 24hours. Sophie puts together an email summarising the NFUs press coverage and emails it to all colleagues across the business. This is an important internal communications tool used to keep colleagues connected. 

Sophie provides support with the creation of social media content across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and twitter. The NFU recently started a TikTok channel as part of their long-term goal to engage an under-35s audience @backbritishfarming_ and Sophie also has her own series called “Sophie Asks” where she interview farmers on their farms.  

Sophie attends brainstorming meetings and takes calls from journalists on the press phone and deals with media requests.  

As part of Sophie’s 18-month apprenticeship, she also studies at PA Media once a week, Europe’s leading journalism, writing, multimedia and public relations training company, who provide an insightful ‘Public Relations & Campaigns’ course. 

It is an exciting role which gives Sophie the opportunity to develop a range of skills and gain valuable experience in the communications industry. 

Prior to Sophie’s current role in agriculture, she had limited exposure to the industry and did not come from a farming background.  

Sophie was inspired by the job description as it combined everything that she wanted to do in one role: creating content, being creative and thinking outside the box, contributing ideas, attending events, public relations, effective/persuasive writing, press work and media relations, and public speaking. 

Since starting her apprenticeship, Sophie has found the experience incredibly rewarding and has thoroughly enjoyed learning about the world of farming and agriculture. Plus, she feels able to contribute a useful perspective, as someone who knows less about the industry, when it comes to producing public facing content.