Creative Break claims success in recruiting apprentices for creative industry
Just over a year after its initial launch, apprenticeship scheme Creative Break has generated over 150 expressions of interest from creative agencies looking to recruit new blood to work with them.
The scheme has also generated almost 300 enquiries from young people who wish to work within the creative industry, looking to take up an apprenticeship position if available.
Richard Ellis, communications director at the PRCA, commented: “University isn’t for everyone. PR and other creative disciplines have an entrepreneurial mind-set that lends itself to those who want to get stuck in and learn on the job. For those who want to dive straight in practical experience combined with ‘on the job’ training programmes like the PRCA Foundation Course and Creative Break are a great option.
“There is no substitute for being immersed in the workplace, understanding how the industry really works, learning from the experiences of others and having the theory to back it up will help you develop faster,” he added.
Launched in Greater Manchester in June 2010 and in Merseyside just three months later, the programme places administration apprentices in full-time employment within a mixture of sectors including advertising, marketing, digital, design and PR, where they gain practical experience and employable skills.
Sandy Lindsay, group managing director of Tangerine PR, who is leading the programme, said that the scheme has been warmly received by both apprentices and employers: “For some young people, the choice is clear: why pay hefty tuition fees and risk unemployment after graduation when they can earn as they learn and be taught by experts in the creative sector?
“Similarly, employers are realising that there is a wealth of untapped talent available to them and the interest we’ve had illustrates that creative employers are recognising that another pair of hands in the office can boost productivity.”
Lindsay went on to predict that, with GCSE and A-level results set to be released, another surge in applications from young people take place.
“Even though Creative Break has been an unprecedented success, Apprenticeships in the creative industry is still relatively new and so we’re still driving home the benefits.
“We still need to convince some employers of the benefits because the demand for Apprenticeships from young people is higher than the corresponding number of employers offering them. As a result, employers risk losing out on the opportunity to tap into this young, interested, energetic and enthusiastic pool of talent.”
John Myers, regional employer services director for the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “Apprenticeships are making a comeback and are one of the best ways to gain access into the professional world of work. We’ve had a fantastic first year and as we enter our second year, Creative Break is showing no signs of slowing down, it’s certainly onwards and upwards from here.”