WPP provides route into the ad industry for next generation of creative technologists

16 Aug 2023

The Creative Tech Apprenticeship is a nine-month, paid programme that will equip candidates with world-class skills in coding, film, design and more

Following a successful pilot programme earlier this year, WPP is searching for 15 new candidates to join its Creative Tech Apprenticeship, a unique nine-month paid scheme designed to open doors to a career in advertising for highly creative individuals with a passion for technology.

The majority of apprentices from the first cohort received job offers from WPP’s global production arm Hogarth. The new course will begin in November 2023, where the successful applicants will have the opportunity to work on live projects with WPP and some its largest clients and technology partners, including The Coca-Cola Company, L'Oréal, NVIDIA, Adobe and Epic Games. Classes will cover creative coding, game engines, virtual production, future machines, generative AI and other skills fundamental to the future of marketing, advertising and production.

The programme has a particular emphasis on educating apprentices about how these technologies can impact the individual, brands and society, and puts ethics, accessibility, and inclusion at the heart of the curriculum. The focus on inclusion extends to the recruitment process; neither a formal degree nor previous experience in the technology sector is required.

Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer at WPP, said: “In a rapidly changing world where consumers engage with brands across a multitude of platforms, we need teams who understand how to bring creative ideas to life using the latest developments. That’s why we created WPP's Creative Technology Apprenticeship, designed to equip the next generation of talent with the skills they need to meet ambitious client briefs, using technology to bridge the gap between imagination and execution. We’re looking for individuals from all walks of life with raw creative talent and an innate interest in technology, eager to solve the problems of tomorrow in new and exciting ways.”

Classes will take place at WPP’s production company, Hogarth, located in London’s Clerkenwell. Course teachers include WPP’s SVP of Creative AI Perry Nightingale and Senior Director of Interaction Design Kat Sullivan, and Senior Producer of the WPP and Hogarth Metaverse Foundry Andre Sam.

Tilly Cullen, a former WPP Creative Tech Apprentice now employed as a Creative Technologist at WPP agency Hogarth, added: “One of my favourite experiences from the apprenticeship was our music video brief. We were tasked with creating an interactive music video in Unreal Engine. This combined 3D modelling, animating, editing, electronics and interactive installation. It gave everyone the chance to learn something new, as well as showcase their skills. It also let us see how our skillsets could be applied to an industry-level standard. We have attended events and contributed to pitches where we were given the opportunity to speak to industry leaders as peers, gaining insight into what we can expect, as well as how we can make positive changes to this industry as the next generation of creative minds.”

For more information about WPP’s Creative Tech Apprenticeship and to apply, please visit https://www.wpp.com/en-us/people/careers/Creative-Tech-Apprenticeship.

Further information
Louise Lacourarie, WPP
+44 (0)7741 360 931
louise.lacourarie@wpp.com

About WPP
WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.