MullenLowe Group UK Launches ‘The Ship’ Apprenticeship Scheme

MullenLowe Group is offering eight hopefuls, 18 or over, an opportunity to join its new apprenticeship scheme ‘The Ship’. The ‘crew members’ will work across various teams and business areas including Mediahub, the People team and across account management, strategy and production in our advertising agency. This will be an ongoing programme for the agency, which intends to replicate it annually. 

Applications are being made as wide-ranging as possible. MullenLowe Group wants to know about what makes applicants tick and why they want to pursue an apprenticeship with us. They can respond in whatever way they choose, whether that be a letter, a visual, a video or even a message in a bottle (!). For interviews we will be using the magic of Zoom breakout rooms to run speed interview sessions with people from across the agency at a variety of different levels.

Working in partnership with Bauer academy the successful crew members will work while studying for a Level 3 apprenticeship standard in either Content Production or Advertising and Media Executive. As well as gaining a professional qualification the apprentices will receive a host of other training sessions internally, work on a special agency-wide project and reverse mentor our senior leadership team. 

As we enter the UK’s largest recession since 2008, there’s never been a more apt time to inspire and support the younger generation and those looking to break into the industry than today. Some startling statistics:

• According to data released by the education department in July participation in apprenticeships is down 53% YOY

• The number of UK internships available has fallen by 64% in the past 12 months as the coronavirus pandemic has hit hiring hard (Glassdoor)

• Institute of Student Employers (ISE) says that the number of internships and placements available will also fall by 40%

• The ISE research also shows that all types of entry-level roles have been reduced this year because of the coronavirus. Employers are hiring 32% fewer people onto apprentice or school leaver programmes than planned this year and graduate jobs have been cut by 12%


Siobhan Brunwin, people director at MullenLowe Group UK, said: “Breaking into the creative and media industries during ‘normal’ times is difficult enough as it is but right now with fewer and fewer employment opportunities young people are really struggling. Therefore, we think it’s the best time to be launching our scheme, we are all very much used to working virtually now and we don’t want to prevent young people from getting much needed opportunities because the conditions aren’t 100% perfect. I know what an incredible impact apprenticeships schemes when executed well can have on both individuals and agencies. The opportunity to study for a qualification (without getting into debt) while learning on the job is an invaluable combination. Apprenticeships are also an incredible way for people to discover this industry which they may have been unaware of. We will be working with several partners help us access the most diverse range of talented individuals.”

You can find The Ship Microsite where you can find more information about the scheme and how to apply here: where it will be available to enter for three weeks.