Ogilvy & Mather UK, is partnering with The Bishop Challoner Federation of Schools in Tower Hamlets, to offer students the opportunity to gain an insight into the industry through a number of key initiatives in 2013. This is part of Ogilvy’s ambition to nurture the next generation of talent and encourage greater diversity in the industry. The partnership between Ogilvy & Mather and Bishop Challoner was organised by The Worst Kept Secret (TWKS).

The new Emerging Talent Programmes will encompass;

• Work experience placements - Ogilvy will offer ten Bishop Challoner students[i] work experience placements throughout summer 2013. The students will spend two weeks working in Ogilvy’s Canary Wharf office. Students who complete placements will also be offered the opportunity to be mentored by an Ogilvy employee for two years.

• The brief day - Throughout 2013, Ogilvy will invite two groups of students into their office for a ‘brief’ day. These individuals will be given a tour around Ogilvy and an induction, and then presented with a brief, which with guidance from Ogilvy teams they will work on for the rest of the day before presenting back their ideas.

• Careers clinics - Ogilvy employees will give talks in school assemblies and classrooms. The careers clinics will cover topics such as careers in the communications industry, CV writing, interviewing tips and how to get noticed when applying for jobs etc.

Nick Soar, Head of Girls’ School at Bishop Challoner commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with such a prestigious organisation as Ogilvy. As a school, we have taken great strides in moving our attainment levels up and once again this year we have seen record numbers of students excel in their exams. This partnership will help provide our students with even greater levels of aspiration, confidence and tools to take the first steps in their chosen careers. The creative heart of Ogilvy’s work mirrors how we nurture our own student’s imaginations. This synergy, coupled with leadership training and long-term professional mentoring make this partnership fresh, relevant and unique.”

Julia Ingall, UK Group HR Director at Ogilvy & Mather commented: “Our Emerging Talent programme is designed to make young people aware of the opportunities that exist within the communications industry. That it’s a profession which is open to a broad range of individuals, from many different backgrounds, so it’s an option should they wish to pursue it. We chose Bishop Challoner High School because we want to give something back to our local community in East London, where our biggest London office is located.”

Dowshan Humzah, Director, The Worst Kept Secret commented: “We are delighted to bring together two of the organisations we have worked with to develop this original and long-term relationship. This provides great opportunities for students at Bishop Challoner and allows them bridge the gap between what they learn at school, and what they need to succeed in the modern workplace.”