Communications Council calls on aspiring advertising talent for 2012 graduate trainee program – call for entries close on October 7

The Communications Council is calling on aspiring advertising talent to join its 2012 Graduate Trainee Program, the leading industry training program for the marketing and advertising industry.

Now in its 30th year, the program open to university graduates of all academic backgrounds, with applicants being selected on key skills such as problem solving, ability to communicate, digital savviness and ‘out of the box’ thinking.

Offering places in leading Melbourne and Sydney agencies, this year’s candidates will be stringently selected with approximately 50 spots available. (Pictured above is the Class of 2011.)

Successful graduates will go on to complete nine month contracts in participating agencies across the industry. Selected candidates will be introduced to account management, strategic planning, digital and other areas of the marketing communications business.

All Sydney and Melbourne graduates will complete a five-day live-in Summer Ad School course at the Sydney University Village and Melbourne University’s Trinity College early next year, which will teach them the basics of the business.

Throughout their nine month placement, there will be a formal program of monthly meetings with talks from inspirational speakers and experienced industry leaders at participating agencies.

Daniel Leesong (left), CEO of The Communications Council said: “Our industry is a unique one, dynamic, creative and ever changing. It straddles the different worlds of business, media and popular culture, giving it an exciting vantage point. This really is the best start anyone could have in this industry.”

“This is one of those programs that is a win-win for all involved, those that apply, and get selected, are assured a fascinating nine months, rotating through the different areas of business to find the what they are best suited for, while participating agencies can be confident that their new recruits get the hands-on experience that they are looking for.”

Kristina Georgiadis, a graduate currently at Mark (M&C Saatchi), said: “The intensive Summer AdSchool gave me a better understanding of the industry and my role, the monthly catch up with the grads were a great opportunity to learn something from leaders in the industry and to see what work other agencies are producing.”

“This program is great for people starting out as it puts you in touch with great agencies and grads.  It’s a supportive environment to find your feet and learn how the advertising industry works.”

The program has a long history of delivering bright young talent to the industry, with over 380 graduates including the successful alumni Michael Connaghan, CEO and Executive Director STW Group, Matthew Melhuish (pictured), Head Australian Agencies Photon Group, Steve Anastasiadis, General Manager, Saatchi & Saatchi and James Graham, Managing Director, McCann Worldgroup, Melbourne.

This year’s participating agencies included: 303 Advertising, AJF Advertising, Badjar Ogilvy, BMF Advertising, Clemenger, DDB, Droga5, Happy Soldiers, H&T, Host,  Leo Burnett , Lavender*,  M&C Saatchi, Three Drunk Monkeys, OBM Advertising, Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare, Pulse Marketing, and Whybin\TBWA.

Key dates for the program are: call for entries close on October 7, with an information night held in Melbourne on September 1, and in Sydney on September 8. The final selection of graduates will take place in Sydney on October 27 and Melbourne on November 8. In Sydney, training is set for January 30, 2011 to the 3th of February 2011, with the program commencing February 6. In Melbourne training will take place from 6-10 February, with the program commencing February 13.

CLICK HERE for more information about the program or contact Gawen Rudder on 02 8297 3807.