Leading marketing services agency, dentsu, has become the first company to adopt an ‘apprenticeships by default’ talent strategy, offering all early career hires apprenticeship training.
The programme, called the Digital Business Accelerator, will be mandatory for new staff in entry-level roles.
The Digital Business Accelerator programme will ensure all new hires receive formal training in the core skills necessary to thrive in a digital business world, combining world-class content and one to one coaching in areas like project management, problem solving and communication.
In recognition of the increasing importance of data and digital skills, the programme will also focus on delivering these key competencies like analytics and data storytelling to apprentices. Upon completion, apprentices will earn the Data Technician Level 3 qualification.
The 13-month programme will be delivered by EdTech start-up Multiverse, and 100 apprentices will join the first intake.
The new initiative will enable dentsu to hire candidates both with and without university degrees - who will all receive the same high-quality training over the first 15 months of their role.
It will also be key to driving dentsu’s data-centric approach, while enabling the agency to continue attracting diverse talent.
Les Marshall, Head of Talent & Leadership, dentsu UK&I, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Multiverse on the Digital Business Accelerator. The development and engagement of our talent has never been more important, and this programme will enable our early careers talent to hit the ground running in their new roles.
“It’s also important to us from a diversity, equity and inclusion perspective that we provide a level playing field for new hires from a range of different backgrounds. With the Digital Business Accelerator in place, we’re sure that participants will have a fulfilling start to their exciting careers with dentsu.”
Staff across the business will be invited to enrol on programmes.
Over 100 existing employees across various seniority levels at dentsu are already on apprenticeships, undergoing formal data training, making Multiverse a critical business partner in dentsu's drive for increased data capability.
Euan Blair, founder and CEO of Multiverse, said: "dentsu is showing what it means to be a truly forward thinking employer by offering all new employees the chance to get a qualification in data skills via one-to-one coaching and a professional apprenticeship.
"There is simply no better way of getting data skills into a business than through apprenticeships: they enable those in the workforce to gain the skills they really need for their role, while supporting those at the start of their career to get into the best jobs with world-class training. This move shows a firm commitment towards developing and promoting diverse talent at the very start of their careers."
Multiverse delivers world-class training in a wide range of qualifications in leadership, digital and technology. Apprentices benefit from one-to-one coaching with an industry expert and are supported by a thriving community with events, socials, mentoring and leadership programmes.
