From September 2013 to May this year, thanks to the financial support acquired by the European Union under The Leonardo da Vinci Lifelong Learning Programme, The Polish Public Relations Consultancies Association (PPRCA) completed the project “The European Qualifications Framework in Public Relations responding to the needs of the regional labour market“. The project’s Partner was the British organization Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA), which served as the host and support institution. Cooperation between PPRCA and PRCA was possible thanks to ICCO, which both organizations are members of.

 

The 12-person group of professionals, who were representing public relations agencies affiliated PPRCA, members of  The Polish PR Association (PSPR) and scientific centres, travelled to London in January 2014. The visit has been funded with support from the European Commission. The purpose of the one-week visit was to get acquainted with the system of higher education that equips young Britons to practice as a PR specialist, meeting with the heads of the most active public relations agencies in London, and meeting with representatives of the PRCA, ICCO and Skills CFA.

 

The idea, but also the result of the project, was to develop, by a group of participants, the recommendations programme of Qualifications Framework for specialists in PR profession in Poland. The visit gave the opportunity to gather deeper knowledge of work conditions in Great Britain’s PR industry. Meetings organized in London resulted in preparation of case studies regarding best practices for training and skills development in the work of public relations experts. That could provide a benchmark for the Polish market.

 

“We are very pleased that PPRCA had the opportunity to initiate and implement this project. We will try to continue this project in the future, using the learned lessons and new experiences. Certainly the closeness to formulation of trade frame qualifications will contribute positively to the further development of the Polish industry and the position of PR specialist profession. PPRCA is also very grateful to PRCA and ICCO for supporting in project realization” – said Norbert Ofmański, president of the board of PPRCA.

 

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.