Extras
There are a range of benefits and extras available to you as a JGA apprentice. You can access perks and discounts, mainly via TOTUM Apprentice membership and attend our webinar series designed exclusively to complement your apprenticeship. This includes storytelling and presentation skills, AI and how to look professional, act impressively and understand what makes both yourself and your colleagues tick.
Select a topic:
JGA Charity of the Year
The JGA Group would like to select a new charity for which we will raise and donate money in 2026. We would like you to help us choose which organisation receive the funds.
We are looking for any registered charity for which you either work or which is close to your heart. All you need to do is put together a pitch explaining what the charity is and why we should choose them. The pitch can take any form you like: a written proposal, a video, a voice note, or anything else. You can be as creative as you like!
This may be something that you can use as evidence for your portfolio and for which you can log some off-the-job training time, particularly for KSBs involving drafting and creating content, pitching, and communication.
All submissions must be sent to Leigh (leigh.torrance@jga-group.co.uk) by 5pm on Friday 6th March. They will be put to our judging panel, with winners announced by Monday 16th March.
The winner will receive an initial donation of £2,500 for their charity. We will also make a donation to second place of £1,500 and third place of £1,000. As a gesture of goodwill, we will also donate £100 to every other charity that is entered.
Your pitch can take any form; however:
- Video or audio submissions should be no longer than 4 minutes
- Written or documented submissions should be no more than two A4 pages
- Nominated charities must be registered with the Charity Commission
- All current learners are welcome to participate
Top tips from the judges
- Take a personal approach to the pitch- why is it important to you as an individual
- Explain how the money would be used and which specific projects it would support
- Use an easy-to-digest format, with visuals and clear formatting on a written document and clear sound when using audio or video
- Include fundraising events that JGA or other learners can join in with
Perks and discounts
Whilst we don’t recommend undertaking an apprenticeship just for the perks, for many people they are well worth having!
Post-Apprenticeship Recognition Scheme (PARS)
PARS is an awards scheme for those who have completed an apprenticeship in the UK. It’s brought to you by the Association of Apprentices and the Chartered Institution for Further Education to recognise the unique educational route offered by apprenticeships.
For the first time, completed apprentices will be able to use post-nominals letters. The application fee varies depending on the apprenticeship level completed, starting at £40.
To find out more, visit https://associationofapprentices.org.uk/pars
Discounts
Apprentices are entitled to TOTUM Apprentice membership which gives you access to over 400 discounts, deals and offers on big-name brands both online and in store, giving you big savings on eating out, tech, fashion, travel and more!
To find out more, visit https://app.totum.com/register/join.
Council tax
Council tax may be reduced by 25% or even 50% for households which include an apprentice who earns less than £195/week.
Further details appear on www.gov.uk/council-tax/who-has-to-pay.
London transport
If you live in a London Borough, are in the first 12 months of your apprenticeship and are aged over 18, you are entitled to an Apprentice Oyster Photocard which will give you a 30% discount on adult rate travel cards and bus and tram pass season tickets.
You may also be eligible for a 34% discount on pay as you go off-peak fares and daily caps by adding a 16-25 Railcard to your Apprentice Oyster photocard to travel on the Tube, London Overground, TfL Rail and most National Rail services in London.
To apply you need to know your Unique Learner Number and the UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) which is 10006710.
Further information is on TfL’s website: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/apprentice-oyster-photocard
Other regions of England also offer travel discounts to apprentices, so be sure to check.
Industry memberships
You may be entitled to free or reduced price membership of professional bodies. Some general options are listed below. See your course specific pages for more information on course specific memberships. If you are asked to provide proof of your status as an apprentice, your Training Plan would be a good option for this.
Institute of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability
Free Membership for all apprentices
The Institute of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability (ICRS) is the UK’s professional body for everyone working in or interested in corporate responsibility and sustainability. As these areas are now central to roles across many sectors, the ICRS is a valuable resource for apprentices on all standards.
What the ICRS offers apprentices:
- Free membership for all apprentices, regardless of sector
- Networking opportunities, including apprentice-focused events
- Free webinars and CPD sessions to support your professional development
- Latest industry insights, updates, and resources
- Newsletter signup to stay informed about upcoming events, training, and opportunities
Find out more and register for your free membership now >
The Marketing Club
Apprentices on JGA marketing standards are offered membership of the marketing club from the CIM but any apprentice on any standard can join for £10/year. See https://www.cim.co.uk/membership/our-community/marketing-club/.
Chartered Institute of Public Relations membership
JGA PR and Comms apprentices benefit from two years of free CIPR student membership, providing access to industry resources, professional development opportunities and networking events. This will be arranged shortly after you start your course.
Development webinars
We’re delighted to give you access to exclusive webinars packed with practical tips to complement your learning. You are welcome to invite your line manager or close colleagues to join the live sessions.
We also hold in-person events for learners and alumni throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to meet and connect with peers, JGA staff and alumni, so keep your eyes open for the next one!
Storytelling and presentation skills
Join ex-Accenture storytelling expert Hari Patience-Davies of 13 Times for a four part series designed to help improve your verbal communication skills and offers lots of practical advice and tips. You can find out more about 13 Times on their website.
Personal and professional development
Join JGA tutors and coaches for individual sessions covering practical, career-relevant skills you have told us are important to you. Topics include crisis communications, stakeholder management, SEO and project management. Sessions will also be available to watch on demand via OneFile.
Everyday AI: Practical Skills for Work
A four part series with Tim Howe starting in April 2026. Details and dates will be added to this page soon.
In the meantime, check out the AI content on the helpful tips page.
Upcoming webinars
Exciting new webinars start in February 2026! These sessions are designed exclusively for JGA learners, giving you practical tips and insights you can apply straight away. Click the titles to register and access full details:
Handling Crisis Communications with Confidence – 11 February 2026, 13:00–14:00
Learn how to recognise a crisis, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and apply ethical and legally sound strategies. Hosted by Robin Marks.
Effective Presentation Planning – 2 March 2026, 16:30–17:30
Build presentations, pitches, and speeches using proven templates and techniques for sessions from 2–35 minutes. Hosted by Hari Patience-Davis.
Mapping Stakeholders for Maximum Impact – 11 March 2026, 13:00–14:00
Identify and prioritise key stakeholders, assess their influence, and manage communications strategically. Hosted by Robin Marks.
SEO Essentials: Writing Content That Gets Found – 1 April 2026, 13:00–14:00
Gain practical tips on SEO, content planning, and measuring website performance using free tools. Hosted by Scott Goodacre.
Amazing Presentation and Pitch Delivery – 13 April 2026, 16:30–17:30
Develop confidence in delivery, including voice control, body language, eye contact, and managing nerves. Hosted by Hari Patience-Davis.
Project Management Essentials – 6 May 2026, 13:00–14:00
Explore the fundamentals of project management, including the lifecycle, tools, and techniques applicable across any industry. Hosted by Drew Lindon.
Mastering Meetings: Active Listening and Note Taking Skills – 11 May 2026, 16:30–17:30
Improve your listening skills, read body language and subtext, and learn practical note-taking and sketch noting techniques. Hosted by Hari Patience-Davis.