Thrive - Future Talent Scheme in Manchester

Thrive - Future Talent Scheme in Manchester

Manchester Trainee 25000 - 32000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WPP Media

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Thrive programme to kickstart your media career with hands-on projects and big brands.
  • Company: WPP Media, a leader in AI-driven media solutions, fostering creativity and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic culture with opportunities for professional development and networking.
  • Why this job: Perfect for fresh school leavers or graduates eager to learn and grow in media.
  • Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your passion and curiosity!

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale.

A first for WPP Media, we are launching our 24-month entry-level talent programme: Thrive. Thrive at WPP Media is designed specifically for those who are brand new to the media industry. We care about your potential, your hunger to learn, and your unique perspective. Whether you are a fresh school leaver, a university graduate, or looking to completely change your career path, if you are New to Media, this is the place for you to build a future.

Role & Impact

The Thrive Programme is a 24-month launchpad designed to take you from a motivated beginner to a confident media professional. We will have you diving into big brands, insightful projects, and famous client accounts right from the off. It won't be easy—you will be challenged and stretched—but we promise that this will be the absolute best kickstart to a career in media you could hope for. You don’t need prior experience in advertising or marketing to apply. We set you up for success with an onboarding programme, on-the-job training and continuous learning throughout the entire two-year programme. Throughout the programme you will be studying an apprenticeship qualification in either; Data Technician, Project Management, Data Analyst. You will be placed into one of the following roles that complement your natural strengths:

  • Media Planning & Strategy: Mapping out how and where brands should show up.
  • Data Analysis: Unlocking insights and navigating tech-driven marketing.
  • Digital Activation: Specialise in the forever growing digital landscape in a digital channel.

Please note we will try to take your preferred role into consideration, however, the role will be decided by your skills matching the role and business needs.

Skills and Experience

At WPP Media, we believe in the power of our culture and our people. It’s what elevates us to deliver exceptional experiences for both our clients and each other. In this role it will be critical to embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values:

  • Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity.
  • Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust.
  • Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise.

Analytical Skills: Confident interpreting data, identifying trends, and presenting actionable insights. Effective communication: Provides accurate information and learns how to simplify complex information to multiple stakeholders and clients. Have a basic understanding and competence in MS Office – PowerPoint and Excel. Collaboration: Build relationships across teams and clients, with excellent communication and presentation skills. Curiosity: Passionate about learning and solving challenges. Organisational Skills: Manage diverse tasks and prioritise effectively.

Application Process:

APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 14TH AUGUST AT MIDDAY. Open to new school leavers, a university graduate, or looking to completely change your career path, if you are New to Media, this is the place for you to build a future.

Step One: We want to see your interest in media... Upload a cover letter answering the following question (maximum 400 words). Choose one brand-to-consumer marketing campaign (it could be for a product, a service, or even a specific brand initiative) that you've seen recently, or at any point, that genuinely inspired you, caught your attention, or that you simply loved. It could be a TV ad, social post, billboard, anything. What was it, where did you see it, and who do you think it was trying to reach? Most importantly, why did it stick with you? Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Step Two: You’ll be invited to complete a SOVA online assessment. If you require any adjustments for this, please let us know at the point of application.

Assessment Days: Successful applicants will be invited to attend an assessment day early September at our offices in Manchester City centre.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

Please note this is a UK based role and requires individuals to have the right to work in this location. While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thrive - Future Talent Scheme in Manchester employer: WPP Media

WPP Media is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer competitive benefits and a hybrid work model that encourages creativity and flexibility, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the media landscape.

WPP Media

Contact Details:

WPP Media Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Thrive - Future Talent Scheme in Manchester

Engage with Local Marketing Events

Get involved with local marketing meetups, workshops, or conferences. These events are perfect for soaking up knowledge and meeting key players in the marketing-communications field, especially if you aim to land a trainee role with companies like WPP Media.

Leverage Social Media Platforms

Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are great for spotting marketing trends and connecting with professionals. Follow industry influencers, engage with their posts, and don’t shy away from sharing your insights or even your personal projects to catch the eye of hiring managers!

Utilise University Career Services

Don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have connections with companies looking for trainees, plus workshops on interview techniques and resume tips specifically catered for the marketing sector.

Get Creative with Your Portfolio

Build a portfolio showcasing any marketing projects or campaigns you've worked on, even if they're just uni projects or passion projects. A well-organised, creative portfolio can set you apart when applying to roles at WPP Media and others—you want to show your potential!

We think you need these skills to ace Thrive - Future Talent Scheme in Manchester

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Teamwork
Compassion
Caring for Others
Emotional Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Flair for Words:When applying for the Thrive - Future Talent Scheme position in marketing communications, we need to see your writing chops! Include examples of your creative copywriting, whether that’s blog posts, social media content, or even that snappy newsletter you whipped up for a class project. Your ability to craft compelling messages is key in this field!

Buzz About Your Passion for Marketing:In your cover letter, don’t just list your skills—tell us why you’re passionate about marketing communications! We love candidates who are eager to learn and grow, so share any relevant projects or campaigns you’ve been involved in, even if they’re academic or personal. Show us your enthusiasm, and we’ll be excited about the potential in you!

Include Relevant Coursework or Certifications:If you’ve taken any courses or workshops in marketing, communications, or digital media, highlight them in your CV. These can demonstrate your commitment to the industry and the skills you've developed, which are extremely important for a Thrive - Future Talent Scheme role. Don’t forget to mention any tools or platforms you’re familiar with!

Keep It Clear and Concise:Given that we’re looking for a trainee, make sure your CV and cover letter are clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and keep your sentences short. We want to see your potential and enthusiasm, so a straightforward application helps in getting your personality across without any fluff. Apply through our website to make sure we don’t miss your submission!

How to prepare for a job interview at WPP Media

Show Off Your Creative Side

For a marketing communications trainee role, it's crucial to demonstrate your creativity. Think of ways you can present your ideas or previous projects, maybe even tailoring a mini-campaign to showcase your skills. Use visuals in your portfolio that reflect your creative thought process—style is key here!

Brush Up on Digital Tools

Get familiar with industry-standard tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Canva. These are often discussed in interviews for marketing roles, so having a few examples up your sleeve where you've used them (even in a project or assignment) will definitely impress the hiring team at WPP Media.

Prepare for Real-Life Scenarios

In your interview, they might ask you to brainstorm ideas for a campaign or tackle a problem they’re facing. Practise answering these types of questions by studying case studies or real-world campaigns, and think about what you’d do differently if given the chance. This shows your ability to think on your feet!

Highlight Your Willingness to Learn

As this is a trainee position, showing your eagerness to learn and grow is more important than having extensive experience. Talk about what excites you about the marketing world and how you adapt when faced with new challenges. Employers at WPP Media love to see enthusiasm and a growth mindset!