Bauer Academy and McCann Launch New Cohort of Junior Advertising Creative Apprentices

Bauer Academy, in partnership with McCann, has announced the launch of a new cohort of learners embarking on the Junior Advertising Creative Level 3 apprenticeship programme. This exciting initiative brings together 12 talented candidates from McCann’s offices across four UK locations: London, Manchester, Bristol, and Birmingham.

Following a recent review of the Junior Advertising Creative standard last year, the apprenticeship has been updated to meet the evolving requirements of the industry. The refreshed curriculum ensures that learners will gain the essential skills needed to thrive in today's fast-paced creative landscape.

Gwyn March, CPD adviser at the Institute Of Practitioners In Advertising commented, "We at the IPA are thrilled to see the end result of the hard work by several Trailblazer member agencies who updated the Junior Advertising Creative apprenticeship standard and successfully achieved a better funding band on behalf of the whole industry. McCann deserves commendation for their pan-office initiative across the UK, which supports a diverse cohort of apprentices and enhances the creative landscape.”

As part of the programme, the 12 apprentices receive comprehensive training that blends theory with practice, focusing on vital knowledge and skills in areas of creative idea generation, multi-media storytelling, communication, pitching and strategic advertising insights. Over the course of the apprenticeship, they will have the opportunity to work on live business projects, guided by experts from both Bauer Academy and McCann.

Courtnay McLeod, Bauer Academy director, commented, "We’re thrilled to partner with McCann to bring this programme to life. With the advertising industry evolving so quickly, it’s essential that training standards keep pace. Apprenticeships offer an incredible opportunity for individuals to directly apply their new skills into their job role, and we’re proud of the role we will play in nurturing the next generation of talent at McCann."

Ollie Purdom, people and talent director at McCann Central, added, "Our commitment to apprenticeship schemes reflects our belief in nurturing the next generation of creative talent. By providing hands-on experience and mentorship, we hope to empower young people while also helping to shape the future of our industry.”

Bauer Academy was the first training provider to deliver this apprenticeship standard as part of its training portfolio. 2025 will see the launch of an Open Cohort for Junior Advertising Creative Level 3, where employers with one or a small number of candidates can enrol talent onto the programme. Applications are currently open. If you want to find out more, please contact Bauer Academy’s head of partnerships gillian.shaw@bauermedia.co.uk.