Virgo HEALTH hails success of apprentice scheme
pharmafile | October 12, 2012 | News story | Medical Communications | Virgo HEALTH, comms
Healthcare communications agency Virgo HEALTH says its participation in a new apprenticeship scheme has been a success.
The agency has employed a paid public relations (PR) apprentice to work in its consumer health division as part of a new Higher Apprenticeship scheme.
The firm has now taken on the apprentice, Ally Dwane (pictured), as a full time employee, after what it calls a ‘robust’ interview process, which also involved other candidates for the post.
Ally Dwane will be working on Virgo’s Consumer HEALTH portfolio which includes brands such as Seven Seas, Scholl and XLS-Medical Fat Binder.
The recruitment is the first of its kind for any health PR firm, demonstrating the success of the PR Higher Apprenticeship scheme, recently launched by leading apprenticeship provider, Pearson in Practice and PR industry body, the PRCA, to encourage diversity in the graduate-dominated industry.
The scheme is open to people aged 18 and above who are seeking a practical alternative to a university education. The Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to a Foundation Degree, has been developed to help young people kick-start a long-lasting career in the competitive PR industry.
The scheme is in line with Government economic plans to grow skills and expand a workforce based on the skills and attitude employers need.
Anna Parfitt, HR director at Virgo HEALTH, says the agency has hosted placement students from Bournemouth University for the past three years, and were keen to be involved in the new scheme.
She added: “We believe the programme will make a real difference to the future of the industry, attracting more talent and raising the profile of PR as a viable career option, especially for those who haven’t attended university.”
Parfitt continues: “Ally impressed us at her interview by demonstrating her creative flair, impressive writing skills and keen interest in PR. We are looking forward to helping her grow into a talented PR professional.”
Francis Ingham, PRCA chief executive, said: “The PR Apprenticeship scheme is all about increasing the diversity of the PR industry workforce. It ensures consultancies of different sizes and specialisations can recruit the brightest talent from a range of backgrounds, and nurture the practitioners of the future.
“I’m delighted Virgo HEALTH, which is now part of PRCA member GolinHarris, one of the leading global PR consultancies, has hired an apprentice.
“The scheme represents a significant opportunity for Ally to develop a range of skills in the communications sector and work for a consultancy that delivers a unique, highly specialised service in the rapidly growing health sector.”
Lasting at least 12 months, the programme is available throughout the UK and involves a mixture of on and off-the-job training.
Fiona McBride, chief executive of Pearson in Practice, adds: “The response to the PR Higher Apprenticeship has been extremely positive, reflecting the credibility of apprenticeships as a genuine alternative to university education. We’re delighted to have placed an apprentice who is as passionate about the healthcare industry as she is about PR.
“Through her position on the programme, Ally will gain on-the-job training as well as a nationally recognised qualification, equipping her with all the skills necessary to thrive in the PR industry.”
To find out more about the PR Apprenticeship programme, please visit www.prapprenticeships.com.
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