Alumni Thomas Haigh and Danielle Webster, Directors of VISCO Agency in Pudsey, have launched virtual work placements for the first time, supporting nine Leeds Trinity students from the School of Communication, Business and Law interested in pursuing a career in marketing, communications, and journalism.

VISCO Agency provides creative digital marketing and communications support to self-employed and small independent businesses, with Leeds Trinity placement students helping with the production and implementation of business recovery strategies in response to COVID-19.

In April, Thomas and Danielle set up remote working using Zoom and Google Drive, to ensure that Leeds Trinity students could still complete their professional work placements safely, whilst gaining relevant industry experience.

Media and Marketing alumnus Thomas, who is Creative Director and Co-Founder of VISCO Agency, said: “Working remotely has been challenging but fun at the same time. Danielle and I were already working remotely before this lockdown and pandemic, and as former Leeds Trinity students, we know how vital and rewarding it is to be able to complete some form of work placement. The inclusion of compulsory work placements was one of the University’s selling points for both of us.”

He added: “During this pandemic, we’ve been offering both existing, returning and new clients a series of discounted services to help them plan and implement a recovery strategy in preparation of reopening. We have been involving the students as much as we can and making them feel as part of the team and want them to complete their placement with new skills and an understanding of the expectations when working in an agency.”

Charlotte Parker, Level 5 Media and Marketing student has completed her placement in digital strategy. She said: “I was nervous about starting a remote work placement as wasn’t sure if I would still find it as valuable as my face-to-face placement that I had done the previous year. However, Danielle and Tom have had a great approach to the situation; we have weekly meetings on Zoom, tutorials to learn new skills and are able to get in touch with them easily if ever we need some help. The placement has given me a sense of normality during this difficult time and having a distraction from the real world is appreciated.”

VISCO Agency provide a personal, professional and unique style of visual communication to self-employed and small independent businesses, supporting growth through digital communication strategies.

Leeds Trinity University builds two professional work placements into all undergraduate degrees, to ensure that students graduate with degree-relevant experience, industry relevant contacts and valuable employer references.