Bridging the Skills Gap - The i3 Pharma Resourcing Partnership Training Programme
Summary
i3 Pharma Resourcing focuses on the provision of high calibre clinical research personnel to the pharmaceutical industry, via our permanent and contract resourcing services. If you have recently been involved in the recruitment of clinical research staff, you will be aware that there continues to be a shortage of trained, experienced CRAs. With pressures on both human and financial resources throughout the industry, new staff are required to “hit the ground running”.Background for clients
i3 Pharma Resourcing focuses on the provision of high calibre clinical research personnel to the pharmaceutical industry, via our permanent and contract resourcing services. If you have recently been involved in the recruitment of clinical research staff, you will be aware that there continues to be a shortage of trained, experienced CRAs. With pressures on both human and financial resources throughout the industry, new staff are required to “hit the ground running”. At a client evening held at i3 Pharma Resourcing, ‘The Future Of On-Site Monitoring’, the lack of training and investment in bringing appropriate people into the industry was cited as a major contributory factor to this situation. This is especially true where the engagement of contract staff is concerned; investment in the training and development of seconded employees is considered a luxury that limited resources does not allow.
i3 Pharma Resourcing’s Answer- The Partnership Training Programme
In response to client feedback, i3 Pharma Resourcing are introducing new CRAs into that pool by providing a programme of training and practical experience for appropriately qualified individuals looking for a career as a CRA.
The key to effective training is the opportunity for individuals to apply the theoretical knowledge learnt via formal teaching in practical real-life situations. This practical experience is of particular importance in a role such as a CRA that relies so heavily on the individual’s organisational, communication and problem solving skills.
In this 6 month programme, i3 Pharma Resourcing are ideally placed to provide broad-based theoretical training and by partnering with our clients, trainees gain real-life clinical research “on the job” experience.
Selection of Trainees
Candidates with appropriate transferable skills (e.g. experienced graduates, research nurses, study site co-ordinators, medical representatives, data managers, drug safety associates etc.) and experienced CRAs who are planning to return to work after time out, are invited to attend a 1 day assessment centres and selected to enter the programme. They will be offered a paid, permanent position by i3 and a secondment to the client for six months.
The Training Course
For the first 3 months, trainees will spend three quarters of their time at the client offices and a quarter at i3 receiving technical training. This will cover an introduction to the industry, ICH GCP and monitoring skills. At three months, the trainee will be able to demonstrate and document a thorough understanding of the clinical trial process and will have had exposure to key elements of the CRA role and other clinical research roles.
During the second 3 months they will be assigned to the client full-time for a further three months. Soft skills training (Time Management, Assertiveness, Communication Skills) will also be covered during this period.
Each trainee will be allocated a manager, who will be available to provide advice and one-to-one coaching as required to supplement formal teaching and will be the client’s main point of contact throughout the training programme
The Client Secondment
During the training programme trainees will be working within the client’s clinical research department alongside current employees and/or contractors. They will undertake any tasks required by the seconding company if, in return, they are given opportunities to gain pre-defined, practical CRA experience.
Trainees will be allocated a mentor from amongst the clinical research staff at the client company who will be available to coach and advise the trainee on all aspects of clinical research as required. The mentor will be the client company’s main point of contact with i3 and will liaise closely with the trainee’s manager regarding their progress at every stage of the process.
To find out more about how the i3 Partnership Training Programme can help you beat this resource gap, contact Monica Evans
monica.evans@i3pharmaresourcing.com 01628 408561
Background for Trainees
If you have been trying to enter the pharmaceutical industry and clinical research as a trainee CRA you will know that unless you have some relevant experience it is often difficult to find an employer willing to give you your first break. Most companies require new employees to hit the ground running and training new entrants can be viewed as a luxury.
Recognising the ‘Catch 22’ situation that those wanting to enter the industry find themselves in, i3 Pharma Resourcing are working with our clients to provide a programme that combines training and experience for appropriately qualified individuals looking for a career as a CRA.
The key to effective training is the opportunity for individuals to apply the theoretical knowledge learnt via formal teaching in practical real-life situations. This practical experience is of particular importance in a role such as a CRA that relies so heavily on the individual’s organisational, communication and problem solving skills.
In this 6 month programme, i3 Pharma Resourcing are ideally placed to provide broad-based theoretical training and by partnering with our clients, trainees gain real-life clinical research “on the job” experience.
Our Commitment
During the training programme you will be employed by i3 Pharma Resourcing at a salary commensurate with the training role. We will identify a suitable client for your secondment and provide a dedicated manager to support you during this programme.
Your Commitment
You must be willing to learn and participate fully in all activities. You will be responsible for maintaining your workbook, attending all scheduled training and completing all assignments. You will commit to remaining with i3 Pharma Resourcing for the duration of the training and then a subsequent six months.
How To Apply
• Submit your current CV to Claire Hutton (claire.hutton@i3pharmaresourcing.com) with a covering letter stating why you would be a good candidate for the training programme.
• All applicants will receive a telephone interview and if successful a second face to face interview
• Successful candidates will then attend a one day assessment centre
• Trainees selected by both i3 and the client will then be offered a place on our Partnership Training Programme.
Don’t just take our word for it…. Comments from recent trainees
‘The i3 Partnership Training Programme has proven to be an intensive yet interactive and thoroughly enjoyable course covering all aspects of the CRA role. The theory aspects were combined with the practical application of our newly acquired knowledge under the supervision and guidance of the Boehringer Ingelheim team. The i3 training team are exceptionally dedicated and professional in their approach to this programme and I have felt well supported throughout my training. I would unreservedly recommend this programme to any aspiring CRA.’
'I am now 2 months into the Partnership Training Programme, and have found it a great way to enter clinical research from a lab based environment. The theoretical knowledge gained at i3 has definitely made the practical time spent at the client company much more valuable, knowing the basics before heading out on visits has made the whole process a lot less daunting (otherwise I think I would be drowning in acronyms by now)! After months of looking for an entry level job as a CRA, it is great to find a scheme that is willing to put the time and effort into giving me the training that I need.'
‘The Partnership Training Programme has been an added bonus as I have started my new career as a CRA. The programme has provided a solid base of theory, which could be used immediately when placed with Boehringer Ingelheim. i3 have broken down the CRA role to provide practical application of the theory as well as soft skills training. The i3 Partnership Training Team are extremely enthusiastic and thorough. I have been impressed by their dedication and organisation throughout my training. I feel the knowledge I have gained has enabled my training to progress swiftly.’
To find out more about how the i3 Partnership Training Programme can help you, contact Monica Evans
monica.evans@i3pharmaresourcing.com
01628 408561
