Ed Vaizey MP Champions Creative Industries for Investing in Talent Through Creative Pioneers Challenge

LONDON, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Ed Vaizey MP, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, has today (17^th July) praised the creative and digital media industries for offering almost 100 job opportunities and business support to fresh talent, through the IPA/Metro Creative Pioneers Challenge.

The Government-backed competition, supported by high profile patrons* including Dragons' Den's James Caan, was launched in January 2012 with the mission to find the next generation of creative pioneers.

Of the 87 successful candidates:

• 20% have been offered internships, comprising a three-month paid placement in a company.
• 21% have been offered paid apprenticeships, comprising a one-year Government and Creative Skillset-backed formal scheme consisting of training, on the job learning, and a qualification on completion.
• 59% have been offered business support tailored to their business needs, such as the offer of a mentor, office space and/or publicity.
• The successful candidates range in ages from 16 to 46-years-old, with the average age at 24-years-old.
• 83% of the opportunities are based in London, 8% in Newcastle, 6% in Manchester, 2% in Edinburgh and 1% in Bristol.
• Companies offering jobs include: AMV BDDO, Square Enix, Karmarama and ZenithOptimedia.
• 33% are 'Can-Dos' - those who have creative flair, bright ideas and commercial instincts, but may be lacking experience. Their average age is 20-years-old.
• 8% are 'Can-Codes' - those who know how to develop programs required for the creative business environment. Their average age is 19-years-old.
• 59% are 'Can-Starts' - those that have a creative business idea linked to digital content or platforms, but need commercial exposure and support. Their average age is 27-years-old.

Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, said: "To stimulate growth in the economy it is essential to help match employers with Britain's incredible pool of talent, so this brilliant approach is exactly the sort of thing that we need to see. Life-changing opportunities are on offer, and it's a win-win situation for both successful candidates and those businesses offering to kick start great careers."

Nicola Mendelsohn, IPA President and Executive Chairman and Partner, Karmarama, said: "Who would have thought one year ago that this vision would become a reality? We have broken new ground, learnt along the way, and identified new paths to market for fresh talent. Our ambition is for all IPA member agencies to adopt an apprentice, an intern and a start-up. The momentum is growing. The need is there. Our Creative Pioneers of 2012 are the proof."

Ed Vaizey MP will be congratulating all those who took part in the Creative Pioneers Challenge, including the successful candidates, the creative and digital media businesses that have offered opportunities, the senior industry representatives who are supporting the Can Starts, and everyone else who has contributed to the initiative, at a celebratory lunch at advertising agency Karmarama on Thursday 19^th July from 12.30pm -2pm.

Those interested in finding out more about the Challenge, or in getting involved in the 2013 competition, should visit http://www.creativepioneers.co.uk or contact Pamela Perl, Marketing Manager, IPA Pamela@ipa.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

*Patrons of the Creative Pioneers Challenge also include Dinah Caine, CEO Creative Skillet; Linda Grant, Managing Director, Metro; Brent Hoberman, UKTI Business Ambassador and Co-founder, Profounders Capital, made.com and mydeco.com; Nicola Mendelsohn, IPA President and Executive Chairman and Partner, Karmarama; and Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries.

Unsuccessful candidates can register onto the National Apprenticeship Service (http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk) and can upload their CVs onto the IPA's Talent Pool service to make their details available to agencies within IPA membership who have job opportunities.

The IPA is the professional body for advertising, media and marketing communications agencies in the United Kingdom. Its role is two-fold: to provide essential core support services to its 250 corporate members who are key players in the UK's £16.7bn advertising, media and marketing communications industry; and to act as the industry spokesman.

Website: http://www.ipa.co.uk