COUCH Health is a global creative health engagement agency that has purpose at its heart. That purpose is to make health human. That means they’re challenging the norm to make health experiences more inclusive, equitable, accessible and empathetic. By connecting with people — the patients, caregivers, communities, healthcare professionals and life science companies — they’re ensuring that they make changes that matter to truly improve health experiences for all.

COUCH Health has 30 full-time permanent members of staff all based in the UK and is on a growth trajectory.

We spoke to Founder, Ash Rishi, about his experience of hiring degree apprentices as a small business owner.

How did you hear about degree apprenticeships?

I had heard about apprenticeships in general, but my personal understanding was probably very limited, as I assumed it was for NVQ type qualifications. It wasn’t until I received an email from someone within Manchester Met explaining to me about the Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeship that I took notice.

Why did you decide to implement degree apprenticeships in your organisation?

Healthcare is a very niche and regulated industry. We are also trying to improve diversity in healthcare, so these are new skills that need to be developed, alongside the key principles of digital marketing, which is taken care of by the degree. We can at the same time support with the training around diversity and inclusion, so once degree is completed, the digital marketing apprentice will be ready to push the industry forward into a more inclusive space.

How did you hear about Manchester Met and what made you choose to partner with us?

I was approached by an Apprenticeship Development Manager from Manchester Met. I looked into and saw that Manchester Met was pedigree in apprenticeships, so I was immediately keen to explore. Manchester Met is local and we want to improve the workforce and create jobs locally as a Manchester-based company ourselves.

How easy was it to implement degree apprenticeships at your organisation?

As we were a small company, and our first apprentice joined during lockdown, we were able to dedicate time with our first apprentice. We do not have early careers support that is dedicated, but we have a caring and supportive team who can help to build. Some of the pressure was taken off us as the skills coach would work with the apprentice to grow them and learn professional skills.

What impact have your apprentices had at your organisation and how long did you have to wait to see that impact?

In terms of impact, we have been able to go to market with new services quicker, such as creating a e-commerce e-learning platform which became part of the coursework of the apprentice. As a rule of thumb, I say impact is probably from year 2, the first year is a lot of learning, guiding, and supporting.

Have degree apprentices improved equality, diversity and inclusion in your workplace?

Yes, we have 4 apprentices, or will have by the end of the summer and they are all from very diverse backgrounds, we have an apprentice with visual impairment, we have ethnic minorities, we have a parent wanting to pivot in their career, and we have people from a lower socioeconomic background who wouldn’t want the uni fees on top of life pressures. 

This is a key consideration for us, we are keen, very keen to ensure the apprenticeship goes to an individual who may not get the opportunity as easily.

What advice would you give to fellow SMEs who are thinking of bringing degree apprentices into their organisation?

Apprentices are students in the workplace. Lucy has been promoted twice and isn’t viewed as ‘just’ an apprentice, she is an entry level employee while doing a degree. It’s a mind shift change as some apprentices think its university while getting paid – which isn’t true.

Read Lucy’s case study.

Find out more about the Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship.