WPP supports D&AD’s ‘New Blood Academy’ for young creatives with structured 3-month apprenticeships across its network of agencies

D&AD has announced a new partnership with WPP, the global advertising and marketing services group, to channel young creative talent into the world of work.

WPP is making a significant contribution to the D&AD Foundation to help open up industry opportunities for graduates – part of D&AD’s new commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives.

The programme that is touted to be ‘unique and intense’ and is said to build on D&AD’s 51‐year history of connecting education with industry. The programme is designed to prepare a relevant, informed and skilled creative workforce. The highest‐performing academy graduates will be offered the opportunity to participate in a three‐month paid apprenticeship with a WPP agency. The programme is open to international applicants if they can legally reside and work in the UK.

By joining forces with WPP, D&AD is, for the first time, able to ensure that emerging talent is not only recognised but given a tangible reward for great work. A foot in the door to the industry – in the form of a three-month placement within WPP’s extensive network of advertising and design agencies – will be secured by the highest-performing academy graduates.

WPP will offer a substantial number of three-month paid apprenticeships, at agencies such as Ogilvy, JWT, CHI & Partners, Y&R, Grey, AKQA, The Partners, Landor, The Brand Union, Coley Porter Bell, Fitch and Digit. WPP will also provide a student brief for this year’s New Blood Awards.

In addition, WPP will back the New Blood Academy – a unique and intense two-week programme (taking place in July 2014) that bridges the gap between industry and education. WPP’s involvement will enable D&AD to curate a line-up of inspiring and challenging talks, discussions, hacks and workshops, designed to prepare a relevant, informed and skilled creative workforce.

WPP’s support is a tangible offering that puts industry at the heart of positive change. By joining forces with D&AD, WPP widens and deepens the reach of D&AD’s initiatives, increasing participation in D&AD’s talent programmes and opening up access for young creatives.

Says Tim Lindsay, CEO at D&AD: “Talent is the lifeblood of our industry. It makes good business sense for agencies, networks and groups to invest in our future creative leaders. We hope that WPP’s backing will encourage others in the industry to follow their lead and help drive change in creative departments across the country.”

Says John O’Keeffe, worldwide creative director of WPP: “I’ve long admired the work D&AD does with young creatives, so I’m delighted with this new partnership. At WPP we set great store by our creative product in all its many varieties and, from students to ECDs, the D&AD standard is the one to which we all aspire.”

Says Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP: “Our industry relies on a constant infusion of creative people – of all disciplines. Without them we simply don’t have a business. D&AD does extremely important work in finding and nurturing young talent, and we’re very pleased to be able to support that.”

For further details about how the scheme works please visit: http://www.dandad.org/dandad/partnerships/new-blood-academy