More demand for PR executives in Singapore
Demand for public relations jobs appears to be rising with the recovering economy, if numbers from the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) are any indication.
The number of organisations that have sent their newly-recruited PR executives to the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) 2nd Professional Conversion Programme (PCP) has increased almost 40% from last year and correspondingly, the number of trainees has also increased 85%.
The seven-month programme aims to equip trainees with the essential skills required by PR practitioners through a one-month intensive training covered by veterans from the industry, before a six-month on-the-job-training in a PR consultancy or in the corporate communications department of an organisation.
Employers participating in the second run include both local PR boutique agencies and international PR agencies that are leveraging on government support as they build up their competencies to meet the demands of a recovering economy.
ICON International Communications, an independent strategic communication consultancy, is participating for a second time as an employer in this programme.
“We were very happy with our experience with the first installment of the PCP, so we are happy to support it and send another candidate for the programme. We would like to see it continue,” said John Bailey, managing director, ICON International Communications.
IPRS is to continue supporting the initiative and is presently planning for a third run that will possibly start in the first quarter 2010 depending on employers’ interest.
Ng Wei Joo, IPRS president, said: “Skills upgrading and education are integral to the existence of an industry body like the IPRS. The PCP is consistent with IPRS’ mission, which is to increase the competencies and skill level of our profession here in Singapore.
“This program will deliver qualified executives to the market that have a good understanding of Public Relations along with proven approaches on how it can be applied in different scenarios.
“We have a select group of leading practicing PR professionals in Singapore conducting the classes, this together with the on-the-job exposure along with visits to the various media and communications organisations, the executives will have a strong foundation in communications by the time they graduate from the course.”
Sources and references: Sandbox Advisors, HRO, IPRS