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PRA Health Sciences

How did PRA Health Sciences come to choose to work with Henley on the Apprenticeship Levy?

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Within PRAHS it is not unusual for the HR team to receive requests from managers and employees to go on some sort of management training. We knew we had a Levy budget to use and viewed apprenticeships as a way to help develop our succession plan and the acquisition and retention of our talent in what is a very competitive industry. Apprenticeships are a worthwhile financial investment to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of our workforce. Henley’s global brand and reputation is well known. Geographically it was a good fit, for us it is important to draw on the talents and expertise from within our local community. For us choosing Henley Business School was a win win situation.

With such a mix of people working in your organisation, how did you select who would take part in the first programme?

Within PRAHS we have a detailed performance review structure in place. Based on these we ask our Business leaders to nominate who they feel would benefit from such development opportunities. This makes sure it’s in alignment with ongoing performance reviews.

It has also helped having a few of us on one of Henley’s first cohorts for the Senior Leader Masters Degree Apprenticeship. Using internal networks and word of mouth to inspire others.

PRA Health Sciences is an international organisation. Some currently studying on their Apprenticeship have managers around the world. How is the Apprenticeship being communicated to them? What recommendations would you give to others in a similar situation who are about to start?

Our Apprenticeship Levy is used for employees in England. However, we are an international organisation and some line managers are based overseas. I’ve been able to speak with these line managers and explain the Apprenticeship Levy and the benefits to our organisation. As a Henley Apprentice, each learner is assigned an Apprenticeship Tutor, who will meet with learner's face to face. I think it’s invaluable for the learner and the line managers to meet with the Apprenticeship Tutors to ensure that the apprentice is on track for completion. Both the apprentice and their line manager need to be aware, from the start, of the level of commitment that is required.