London,
04
June
2014
|
11:14
Europe/London

Public Relations ranked in top 10 occupations of the future by Institute of Public Policy Research

In a new report, published by the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) to mark VQ Day 2014, public relations ranks fourth amongst the top occupations of 2022.

“Winning the global race?”, commissioned by independent education charity, The Edge Foundation, which leads VQ Day, shows how a third of jobs will be created in high-skilled occupations. These include public relations roles. It also reveals how a large proportion of the jobs expected to drive economic growth and mobility in the future will be accessible with a vocational qualification. This applies to public relations too.

The report predicts the following growth opportunities over the next 10 years in the ‘business, media and public service professions’ sector, into which public relations fits:

  • 337,000 new employees required due to expansion
  • 739,000 employees need to be replaced due to retirement
  • net growth of over one million jobs.

The report also highlights that the skills required for nine out of the 10 most in-demand occupations of the future, including public relations, can be obtained by completing vocational qualifications. Findings also show that more people than ever are accessing higher education with vocational qualifications.

Stephen Waddington MCIPR, CIPR President and ‎European Digital and Social Media Director, Ketchum PR
These results are extremely encouraging for the future of the public relations professional. They show that the CIPR’s current trajectory of advocating Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is one that will facilitate growth and expansion across the industry. Whether you choose a professional qualification, a training course, or online learning, ongoing vocational development and education for both graduates, and those without a degree, is vital in order to stay relevant.
Stephen Waddington MCIPR, CIPR President and ‎European Digital and Social Media Director, Ketchum PR
Jan Hodges OBE, CEO of the Edge Foundation
This research clearly demonstrates that we must continue to support high quality vocational education if we are able to meet the needs of our future economy. Education that combines rigorous academic teaching with a more practical and technical element – as we are seeing at University Technical Colleges, Career Colleges and Studio Schools – is a good example of how we can address the future skills issue. However, we also need to raise the esteem of vocational qualifications and celebrate the success of people completing them, which is what VQ Day is all about.
Jan Hodges OBE, CEO of the Edge Foundation
Notes to editors

Notes to editors

About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.

The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).