WPP Backs Midlife Career Programme

WPP, the creative transformation company, continues its partnership with Visible Start for the fourth year of its ground breaking programme, a free eight-week online initiative designed to empower midlife women seeking to re-enter the advertising and marketing industry. The Visible Start programme equips participants with the skills and confidence needed to relaunch their careers in today’s fast-moving landscape, and this year expands its reach across all of WPP in the UK, tapping into multiple skillsets across disciplines.  

Visible Start has already proven successful in helping midlife women transition back into the workplace. The programme boasts a strong track record of placing graduates in roles across WPP agencies, demonstrating the value and untapped potential of this demographic. The programme’s approach combines practical skills training with personal development, creating a supportive environment for women to rediscover their professional strengths and build a strong foundation for career success.  

As Dushica Zivanovic, a 2024 Visible Start graduate and now Eastern Europe Media Lead at EssenceMediacom in the UK, shares, “Embarking on a new stage in life can be both exciting and daunting. Visible Start is a wonderful, safe space where women can share their experiences, learn from one another, and grow together as a community. With the invaluable support and guidance of co-founders Jacquie and Jane, who are true inspirations and a force to be reckoned with, women can confidently reclaim their place in the workforce and embrace new opportunities. I know I have!” 

The 2025 cohort kicks off on 10 March, and midlife women from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply here. The programme requires no prior experience in advertising or marketing, focusing instead on transferable skills and the unique perspectives that midlife women bring to the table. 

The Visible Start curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including: 

• Transferable skills development 
• Life coaching and confidence building 
• LinkedIn profile optimisation and personal branding 
• WPP-led sessions on the advertising industry 
• Microsoft excel training 
• Power hour sessions with guest speakers 
• Speed networking and interviewing skills 
• Mock interviews 
• CV construction 

All programme modules are hosted on Visible Society, a private online platform that provides a safe and supportive community for midlife women to connect, learn and inspire each other. 

LJ Louis, global chief talent and inclusion officer, WPP said, "Visible Start is an opportunity to collaborate with talented midlife women in our industry. We recognise and appreciate their experience and perspectives and are dedicated to providing the support they need as they transition back into the workplace. We're excited to welcome the new cohort and see them thrive."

Jacquie Duckworth, co-founder of Visible Start, added, "WPP's support since our 2021 launch has been instrumental to Visible Start's success. Our ground breaking, unique programme equips women with everything they need to re-enter the workplace in this current era. WPP are stand-out pioneers of endorsing multi-generational workforces, and it has been a joy and privilege to enable midlife women to kick start their second careers with one of the biggest advertising companies in the world.”  

Midlife women ready to reignite their careers are encouraged to visit here to learn more. They can register their interest now or at any time throughout the programme. While it's recommended to register before the programme begins on 10th March to participate fully in the live sessions, registrations are accepted throughout the programme, allowing access to recorded sessions and ongoing support.