MRS launches apprenticeship scheme

The Level Four Market Research Executive Apprenticeship, which was launched at an event on Wednesday 16th February, has been designed to attract and train school leavers aged 18 or over as well as training employees already working in research roles.

Apprentices will learn to collect, analyse and interpret findings using qualitative and quantitative techniques, as well as digital and non-digital methods.

The scheme has been designed in collaboration with agencies and businesses including Ipsos, Maritz, Shift-Learning, Firefish Group, Ampersand Research, Cello Health PLC, Yonder, Disney, Channel 4, Compare the Market, Transport for West Midlands, the House of Commons and Hackney Council.

The Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education has also approved the MRS scheme.

MRS said that the scheme would help promote social mobility and to continue to build a diverse and inclusive research sector.

Jane Frost, chief executive at MRS, said: “As industries across the UK grapple with labour shortages, apprenticeships offer us the opportunity to build vital skills and to attract and retain much needed talent.

“The programme we have developed alongside our partners is a significant practical step forward to supporting social inclusion and continuing to deliver a world-leading market and social research sector.”

Seema Malhotra, MP and Shadow Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, noted: “Without apprenticeship schemes like this the British economy cannot prosper. The sector’s excellence comes from a pipeline of talent that needs to be diverse and inclusive to represent the whole of the UK. The Market Research Executive Apprenticeship is a leading example of how we can create opportunities while supporting businesses to benefit from new perspectives.

“Apprenticeships are not just about raising the level of skills, but also raising ambition and horizons. This understanding is central if we’re going to change the route into sectors to be beyond the traditional university route – a route that is simply out of reach, or not of interest, to so many.”

Abbie Bradley, an 18-year-old apprentice on the programme at Ipsos, added: “The apprenticeship is a win-win for businesses and young people.

“By investing time in apprentices, employers are able to mould talent to what their business needs.”