Ad industry commits to nurturing talent

4As    ADVERTISING    HR

Hong Kong -The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong (HK4As) has outlined details of the internship and trainee programs in what is said to be the first time to collaborate with the government to nurture new blood in the industry on a large scale in a structured way.

The association has partnered with CreateHK, a dedicated agency under the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau, to offer job opportunities with 50 positions for the summer intern program and 50 full-time 12 month contracts for university students and graduates to work in 4As agencies.

Royce Yuen (pictured), chairman for HK4As, said 21 of its members have participated in the scheme that has already received more than 600 applications from students of the eight local universities to 'fight' for the 100 positions available.

Yuen said 50 positions have already been taken up, with the overwhelming response meaning only the "cream of the crop" will be able to enter the programs.

Under the internship program that will last for two months, 50 trainees will be paid $4,000 every month to gain exposure in ad industry.

Another 50 positions will be allocated to the trainee program that will run for one year. The government has also committed $4,000 for each position and agencies will kick in additional salary to match the competitive rate in the industry.

Yuen said this is a win-win situation for agencies to give back to the community.

To the 50 students still vying for a position, Yuen said they should display genuine passion and interest to the industry and someone who has common sense and good language ability.

Conrad Chiu, CEO for Bates 141 Hong Kong and a participating agency to this initiative expressed delight to a well coordinated scheme that will develop a new generation of young talents.

"In the old days, the ad industry comprises two main types of talents that are either skilled in digital or conventional media but the new generation of communicators will possess all rounded skills," Chiu said.

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