Wunderman Thompson is expanding its Catalyst Academy apprenticeship scheme threefold, in an attempt to attract even more candidates from diverse backgrounds into the industry.
2021 marked the first intake of “catalysts” for the 18-month scheme, and saw 11 candidates hired across the London, Berlin and Amsterdam from a pool of 600 applicants.
Some 42% of the group identify as BAME, 43% as female or non-binary and 18% stated that they had a disability.
The agency claims the programme has been a huge success and, as the 2021 cohort wraps up, those who have completed the programme are all expected to be offered permanent roles.
During the 18-month rotational programme at nine of Wunderman Thompson offices around the world, including the UK, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Dubai and other locations, this year will see 29 catalysts train together, develop a range of important new skills, and build camaraderie.
Each successful applicant will be offered a competitive salary, while being offered multiple rotations within different departments. They will have access to a raft of personal development opportunities, and the chance to get involved with the agency’s Employee Resource Groups, including the Women’s network RISE, Unite, Roots, Wellbeing and Re-think.
The Catalyst Academy is designed to accelerate development; catalysts rapidly take on real client responsibilities and can expect fast career progression. During their 18 months with the agency, they will rotate through different specialisms and be assigned a mentor who will be there to support, guide and advise throughout. Catalysts will also gain essential industry qualifications from the IPA and the WPP AI Academy.
Wunderman Thompson insists that inclusion and diversity are a fundamental part of its operations and the agency recognises that talent comes in a variety of forms and from different backgrounds.
It is committed to making sure that its people reflect the diversity of the wider world and is creating an inclusive environment where people feel they can belong.
The agency invites applications from candidates of all identities and backgrounds and advertised across a range of platforms including The Other Box, Creative Equals, The Dots, Brixton Finishing School, Stonewall, WPP’s Roots network, Camden’s secondary schools and non-graduate colleges and Drive Forward, to name a few.
The application process is open for eight weeks and asks candidates to answer a range of questions linked to the agency’s key behaviours, assessed using a pre-determined scoring system across behaviours, technical ability and storytelling.
In an effort to level the playing field for those with conditions such as dyslexia, Wunderman Thompson will also allow candidates to answer questions however they like, not necessarily in writing, and will fast-track all candidates that identify as disabled.
Wunderman Thompson UK chief people officer Paula Joannou said: “We believe that we have designed the very best, most inspiring and exciting entry-level programme in the industry and we’re thrilled to expand it after a hugely successful first year.
“Our catalysts have proven that bringing diverse minds together accelerates growth both within the agency and for our clients, and we look forward to welcoming the next cohort into our offices in 2023.”
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