Paramount has launched a brand new Graduate Training Programme to support its significant expansion plans for 2013 and beyond. The first intake of four graduates, all of whom have just completed science-related degrees, started in October 2012.

The graduates will spend six months undertaking a comprehensive training programme, culminating in a Certificate in Recruitment Practice (CertRP) validated by recruitment industry trade body the REC.

The bespoke training programme consists of 15 modules which will be delivered by Paramount Directors and leading industry trainers. The modules cover specific knowledge required by a Paramount recruitment consultant including “working to a professional recruitment code” through to “effective recruiting using Linked In and other social media”. Between training modules the graduates will shadow Paramount’s most experienced recruitment consultants and team leaders. This will give them a practical introduction of how to recruit for both permanent and contract staff within all the different vertical markets and international locations covered by Paramount. The team leaders will also give the graduates daily “at-the-desk-training” where class-based learning will be put into practice.

After completing all 15 modules and having gained a basic understanding of all skill areas, each graduate will then research one vertical skill area in detail in order to understand the technical elements of that specific skill and to map out market factors such as how the skill is utilised by different pharmaceutical companies.

The launch of Paramount’s Graduate Training Programme is the latest development for the Birmingham based pharmaceutical recruitment specialist. Already this year Paramount has moved to larger offices and has launched a new interactive website which provides market-leading functionality for both candidates and clients.

Paramount Director, Eugene McDaid says: “Historically we have always recruited recruitment consultants with scientific degrees and given them internal recruitment training. This new programme means the training is more comprehensive, professional and allows us to hire four talented graduates at the same time – significantly increasing our recruitment resources now demand is high. We passionately believe in high quality customer service and our graduate programme will ensure our new recruits have the knowledge and skills required to represent our business effectively.”

Gabriella Brindisi, who graduated in Chemistry from the University of Birmingham earlier this year, is one of the four graduates on the training programme. “I love Chemistry and I was considering a career within the pharmaceutical industry. However, I am quite a social person and I wanted a job in which I could use my communication skills. Recruitment seems to be an ideal mix – one in which I can use my scientific knowledge to support candidates in their careers. The Paramount graduate training programme gives me a thorough, professional and structured introduction to the industry and I am really enjoying the course.”

The second intake of the Paramount Recruitment Graduate Training Programme is scheduled for the Spring of 2013. Applications are welcomed from February 2013 onwards.