2026 Trainee Programme – Trainee Account Executive

Taylor Bennett Foundation do; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading communications consultancy in London is seeking applicants for its 2026 Trainee Programme, specifically for the Trainee Account Executive role. The programme offers structured learning combined with real-world experience, enabling participants to develop essential consultancy skills. Ideal candidates are curious, collaborative, and organized individuals eager to build a career in communications. The role includes performance bonuses, 26 days of holiday, and comprehensive benefits including a pension and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Performance-related bonuses

26 days holiday + bank holidays

7.5% employer pension contribution

Private medical insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Regular social events

Qualifications

• No previous experience in communications is required.
• Must have a university degree or equivalent by September 2026.
• Organized and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Participate in structured training and real-world experiences.
• Work on high-profile client projects from the beginning.
• Receive ongoing support from a personal manager.

Skills

Interest in business and politics

Curiosity and eagerness to learn

Collaborative spirit

Organizational skills

Education

University degree (any subject)

Level 4 Apprenticeship in Public Relations

Job description

2026 Trainee Programme – Trainee Account Executive

• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Start Date: September 2026 (full-time)
• Application Deadline: January 12th 2026

Are you curious about how business, media,politicsand current affairs shape the world we live in?Are you interested in how strategic communication shapes reputations,policiesandreal-world decisions?If so,Headland’s 2026 Trainee Programmeoffersthe perfect first step in your career.

Headlandisafast-growingandaward-winningcommunications consultancy working across Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Financial PR, and Campaigning.We arepowered by collaboration,and our clients include major UK and global brands, fast-growth businesses, and mission-driven organisations.

We’relooking for collaborative, ambitious people to join our Trainee Programme, starting in September2026.

What is Headland’s Trainee Programme?

Our Trainee Programme combines structured learning with real-world experience.You’ll develop the skills and confidence to become a well-rounded communications adviser—someone who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate with impact.

You’ll receive:

• 30+ hours of formal training in your first few weeks,plusaccess toongoing Learning & Development sessionson a weekly basisas you build your consultancy skills. Sessions will covermedia relations, digital strategy, sustainability, public affairs, research,and more.
• The chance to work on high-profile clients fromthe get-go.
• Ongoing support from adedicatedPersonal Managerwhoprovidesregularcoaching and career guidance, settingobjectivesas you work towards becoming an Account Executive.
• Abuddywho will help you settle into agency lifeandbe a friendly face to turnto ifyou’reever unsure of anything.
• Regular feedbackfrom your client teams to fuel your development.

Who we’re looking for:

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds.Nopreviousexperience in communicationsisrequired—we’reinterested in how you think, what you care about, and how you approach problems.

If the following sounds like you,we’dlove to hear from you:

• You’ll have one of the following by September 2026:
  • A university degree (any subject), OR
  • A completed Level 4 Apprenticeship in Public Relations, OR
  • Some professional work experience (communications sector experience not required)
• You’regenuinely interested in business, politics,mediaor current affairs
• You’recurious, eager to learn, and enjoy taking initiative
• You like working with others and bring a collaborative, can-do attitude
• You’reorganised and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• You’reexcited to build a career in communications and grow into a trusted adviser

We’re an inclusive employer:

At Headland,we’reproud to be an inclusive employer. We actively welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. We hire for culture add, not culture fit.

If yourequireany adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know—we’lldo our best to support you.

We’realso proud to have been awardedfull accreditationby The Blueprint—an industry standard that promotes greater diversity in PR and communications by helping organisations attract,retainand nurture Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority talent.

• A diverse,dynamicand inclusive culture, with supportive teams who want you to thrive
• Experience across a variety of high-profile clients and sectors
• Access to senior colleagues,mentorsandbuddiesto help you develop
• Ongoing training throughout your career
• A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

Benefits include:

• Performance-related bonuses
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays (rising with tenure)
• 7.5% employer pension contribution (with sustainable investment options)
• Private medical insurance
• Company laptop and phone
• Enhanced parental leave policies
• Employeeassistanceprogramme
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Regular social events, teamdrinksand parties
• Free breakfasts, a fully stocked snack cupboard, and more!

How to apply

If you’d like to apply for our 2026 Trainee Programme, please visit our website>HERE (or via the ‘apply now’ button below).

Key dates:

• Application deadline: 12 January 2026
• Virtual interview timings: January and February
• In-person interview timings: February and March (at our London office)

When submitting your application, please specify that you heard about the role through the Taylor Bennett Foundation.