Edgbaston PR and social media firm, WPR, has furthered its commitment to investing in young talent with a string of new graduate appointments.

Lizzie Alker has joined the agency as graduate social media executive, with Abi Herbert, Joseph Moore and Holly Chadley all taking up posts as graduate PR account executives this September.

The appointment of the quartet, three from Birmingham University and one from Sheffield, brings the total number of graduates taken on by the 54-strong agency to sixteen in just six years.

WPR managing director, Jane Ainsworth, who herself joined the agency as a graduate over 20 years ago, said:

“We understand the value of investing in rising talent and are absolutely committed to graduate-led recruitment.

“This is why we co-sponsor BHive, a cross-university competition designed to nurture creative and marketing talent within the region, whilst also Chairing the PR Professionals Panel and mentoring undergraduates at BCU.

“This commitment to recruiting the Midlands’ most talented graduates ensures we provide the best results for our clients. It also helps the industry tackle a growing skills shortage in the region, and means we play a small but important role in addressing graduate unemployment nationally.”

The move comes in the wake of the agency being awarded five PRCA DARE Awards earlier this year, and being shortlisted for a further 11 categories at the CIPR Midlands PRide Awards, to be held in October.

The new graduates will work across a number of major brands including Electrolux, Oxfam, Greene King and Pyrex.

Speaking about her new position at WPR, Lizzie Alker, graduate social media executive said:

“I am thrilled to be a part of a company that is committed to investing in people, and is so passionate about the work it does for clients. I have already received an unparalleled level of support and encouragement from the team, and I’m looking forward to progressing as a social media professional within WPR.”

For further details on current vacancies at WPR visit https://www.wpragency.co.uk/about-us/vacancies/, call 0121 456 3004, or email info@wpragency.co.uk.