UK agencies are joining forces with the Metro newspaper to launch a nationwide search for digital talent and creative entrepreneurs.
Backed by the Government, the IPA ‘Creative Pioneers’ initiative aims to find 300 young people who will be awarded the opportunity to work within creative media businesses across the UK.
Over 100 businesses are involved, from advertising, animation, film, gaming, interactive media, mobile entertainment, publishing and web design including Aardman Animation, Facebook, Twitter, Zynga, Saatchi & Saatchi, Sapient Nitro, Omnicom Media Group and Spotify.
The campaign, which launches today (March 20) with a four-page Metro coverwrap, will see a jury of creative and digital experts choose the best candidates and assign them suitable placements for September.
Metro managing director Linda Grant said: “We want to help young creative and talented individuals to develop their skills and realise their potential. We know how tough it is to get a foot in the door of the creative media industries. Creative Pioneers is a terrific opportunity for young people to take that first step on the ladder and kick start their career.
She added that times it is vital that the future of the creative media industries is secured, one of the fastest growing and most valuable sectors in the UK. “The creative pioneers of tomorrow need to be encouraged and supported, ” she stressed.
Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: “The creative industries represent a massive opportunity for growth and the IPA and the businesses involved in this challenge are to be commended for nurturing and developing the next generation of film directors, web and video game designers, advertising chiefs and marketing experts.”
Nicola Mendelsohn, IPA president and executive chairman and partner for Karmarama, added: “When almost a million 16- to 24-year-olds are out of work, the need for this sort of initiative couldn’t be more apparent. It’s a real first – an employer-led collective committed to finding a solution to the national need. And the creative and digital media sector is well placed to do so, because there is high growth and big ambition for the UK’s potential.
We want young people from any background to enter; it’s not just about qualifications, it’s about having the right mindset and attitude; it’s about seeing yourself as part of the next generation of creative pioneers. This country’s position in the world market relies on us being ready for our digital future as well as our ability to innovate.”
Applications must be made through the Creative Pioneers website, with three categories to choose from; ‘Can-Do, Can-Code and Can-Start. Applicants are asked to answer three questions and submit a 60-second video of themselves explaining why they believe they should be considered as a creative pioneer.
