Communications and Engagement Assistant (Apprentice)

Summary

Location: Service Headquarters, Exeter

Contract: 18-month fixed term contract, Full time (37 hours per week including college day release)

Salary: Grade 3, starting at £27,709 per annum.

Help Make a Difference in Your Community

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, is looking for a motivated and creative individual to join our Communications and Engagement team as an Apprentice.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop skills and experience in communications, digital content and public engagement with a high profile public service organisation.

As this is an apprentice role, you will be completing the Multichannel Marketer Apprenticeship through Exeter College. The intake for this course is March 2027, so we are looking for candidates that would be available for a March 2027 start date.

About the role:

As a Communications and Engagement Assistant Apprentice, you'll gain hands-on experience across a busy communications and engagement department.

You will support work across our three key areas:

• Communications
• Consultation and engagement
• Digital content

You will support a wide range of activities, from creating engaging content and delivering communication campaigns to assisting with public consultations, events and digital channels.

Find out more:

What you'll be doing:

You will:

• Create, edit, and publish engaging content
• Support communication and marketing campaigns from planning through to evaluation.
• Assist with website, intranet and social media content management.
• Help produce media releases and monitor media coverage.
• Support consultation and community engagement activities.
• Assist with organising and delivering events, including staff awards and community events.
• Analyse campaign performance and contribute to reporting.
• Provide excellent customer service and work collaboratively across the team.

What we are looking for:

To apply, you will need:

• A Level 3 qualification (A Levels, BTEC or equivalent)

We're particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Strong written communication skills.
• An interest in communications, digital marketing and social media.
• Good digital skills and confidence using a range of online tools.
• Excellent customer service and relationship-building abilities.

Why join us?

You will enjoy a rewarding role supporting a service that helps keep our communities safe alongside a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous pension scheme
• Excellent annual leave entitlement
• Family - friendly policies
• Professional development opportunities
• Free gym access and fitness coaching
• Access to physiotherapy and eye care support
• Blue Light Membership and associated discounts
• Benenden Healthcare options
• Access to the Firefighters Charity
• Confidential wellbeing and counselling support
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Sports and social clubs

How to apply:

You will need to complete an application form and submit evidence demonstrating how you meet the following essential criteria:

• Ability to create clear and compelling communications
• Knowledge of communications, digital marketing and social media.
• Strong digital skills and experience of using a range of applications and tools.
• Good customer and stakeholder relationship skills.

Please use the attached "Communications and Engagement Assistant (Apprentice) - Essential Criteria for my Application" document to provide your evidence.

Please note the total word count for your evidence should not exceed 2000 words (excluding headings).

Applications received will be shortlisted based on the above criteria, and the requirement for applicants to hold a Level 3 qualification (A Levels, BTEC or equivalent).

Closing Date: 2359hrs 8 November 2026.

Paul Compton, Head of Communications and Engagement via 07966 214122.

Our values

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services Safeguarding Policy.

Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all the applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and/or reprimands.

Devon and Somerset Fire Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.

As a Service and as individuals:

• We are proud to help
• We are honest
• We are respectful
• We are working together

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities we serve and aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to join our team.