Four weeks ago we undertook our first training partnership with the Open Doors initiative.
Under the banner of "Break into Advertising" IAPI & Open Doors provided participants from varying backgrounds with 1 month of online training. The training was provided with the help of 14 IAPI agencies and industry partners such as Chose Radio & TAM.
The benefits of what we are did will be two-fold – it will open up the labour market to some of those who have been unable to access it; and in doing so it will help us to attract and retain our future workforces.
On top of that I don't think anyone involved was prepared for the profoundly positive impact this initiative would have both on the students and those who took part from agency side.
After an initial first week of training in office etiquette, working remotely and career planning the IAPI programme kicked in. We started the training off with two of our Futureheads - Lauren Kavanagh (PHD) & Amy Tumelty (TBWA) who discussed their roles and their career path.
We followed this up with an overview of the agency landscape. Ed Ling & Simon Kennett (Mediacom) shared insights about their career path, the role of a media agency and the media landscape with the students. Neal Davies (BBDO) took the guys through a day in the life of a Creative Agency and the power of creativity. Brian Melarkey (Fleishman) then took them through the role of the PR agency for brands.
Stha Banks (Core) dropped by to explain the role of the IAPI Diversity and Inclusion Council and the various initiatives coming up in the next year.
The next week, we welcomed Briony Morgan (Verve) who talked about the pivot from live to digital events during the pandemic. Teresa Hanratty (Learning Waves) presented the case for audio on behalf of Choose Radio and this was followed up by TAM training from Eimear Keane. We rounded off the week with our own Charley Stoney, who brought the guys through what it takes to make a great presentation in our industry.
The final week was all about working to a specific brief. Dr. Rosie Hand (TU University) discussed the dynamics of working in a group and provided the team with strategies and project management skills.
The final presentation and graduation took place last Friday and was a very uplifting and emotional affair!
IAPI & Open Doors would like to acknowledge the huge contribution of our members in providing this programme. Your time and effort has made a vital impact on those who took part in the programme and it is testament to our industry that we are able to work together and provide such an empowering and practical level of learning.
