McCann partners with Bauer Academy to widen access to the creative industry

McCann Birmingham is partnering with Bauer to help widen access to the advertising industry. As part of an inaugural nationwide Creative Apprenticeship scheme, McCann is offering locals the opportunity to develop skills in Design, Copywriting and Art Direction. 

Founded over 100 years ago with a focus on “Truth Well Told”, McCann is the world’s leading advertising agency network, developing some of the most creatively and commercially impactful advertising globally. As part of its new apprenticeship programme, would-be Creatives will gain hands-on experience working on live client briefs and will be supported by McCann’s Creative teams.

With the opportunity to earn while they learn, McCann’s apprentice scheme is a new entry-point into Creative roles for non-graduates and those from under-represented backgrounds. Providing first-class training from Bauer in the form of a tailored curriculum, the only educational requirement is that Apprentices hold a minimum of a Grade C or Level 4 in English or Maths. 

Applications for the scheme are open now and run until Friday 16th August for anyone over 18, with the first cohort of apprentices to start their Level 3 Creative Advertising apprenticeship at McCann in September. 

Rather than submitting a traditional CV/Cover letter, applicants are encouraged to upload examples of their creative talents and respond to a creative task. If successful they will be invited to attend an assessment centre in the Birmingham office, which will include group exercises and an interview – and hopefully a few laughs and fun along the way!

This is a new route into a Creative career at McCann and builds on the previous schemes in other departments within the agency that have seen apprentices progress into Management roles, as well as play a key part in creating award-winning, fame generating work. 

Nick Wainwright was one of McCann Birmingham’s very first apprentices and has since worked his way up the career ladder to become an Account Director. He said: “The apprenticeship scheme at McCann gave me the chance to start working in an industry I’d always been interested in, without the need to go to university. And I’m so glad I did – the huge support I’ve received from my team has been second to none, and it’s thanks to them that I’ve been given the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills to develop in my career.”

Adam Bodfish, Executive Creative Officer at McCann Birmingham, added: “Thanks to the Creative Apprenticeship Scheme, we are not only welcoming new team members, but also a fresh approach, passion, and energy into our agency. We’re looking forward to seeing what their ideas and unique perspectives can bring to McCann.”

Ian Lenehan, Head of Talent Acquisition at McCann UK, said: “McCann’s new Creative Apprenticeship scheme gives everyone the chance to build an enduring creative career regardless of background. 

“Our “Yeah you can at McCann” ethos ensures that apprentices gain hands-on training and the chance to put their skills into practice. Our former apprentices have been instrumental in helping shape our culture - one with diversity and inclusion at its heart - and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact our new cohort will have.”