Target embraces the Graduate Challenge When Target was asked to launch a brilliant new initiative in Gloucestershire to match out of work graduates with county businesses hungry for talent, Target knew it wanted to be among the first to sign up to this winning idea. Graduate Challenge is a response from the University of Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire First to the current economic downturn, designed to nurture local talent and keep it in the county, and has been funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The programme offers recent Higher Education graduates living in Gloucestershire who are either out of work, or working fewer than 16 hours a week, the opportunity to apply for one of 150 four-month work placements in the county. Successful applicants will be matched to a live business project, receive a training allowance of £100 a week from Graduate Challenge, and can also earn points towards a Masters degree. Too good an opportunity to miss, Target applied for a placement and was delighted to succeed in appointing Vanessa Francis, 24, a graduate from the University of Central England, who specialised in graphic design and advertising. Vanessa has her sights set on a career as an Art Director, and since leaving university and moving back to Gloucester with her parents, has completed a number of work experience placements at top London creative agencies to build up her skills and knowledge, but has struggled to find full-time employment. Vanessa says, "I think work experience is a great way to boost your CV, but it's tricky when you are trying to earn some money at the same time, so the fact you get £100 a week is good news. Graduate Challenge programme could be crucial in helping local graduates get their foot in the door of a company and get the experience they need to apply for these jobs, especially in the current climate." Zak McKinven, Target Creativity's managing director, adds: "As soon as we were briefed on Graduate Challenge to create its brand identity, marketing materials and PR for launch, we got excited about the real value the programme can bring to businesses like ours. While we have a full team in place and no need to recruit currently, we've always been keen to encourage new talent into the industry. "It's a mutual benefit – a chance for Vanessa to build her portfolio and continue studying, while we are enjoying having another member of the team which adds to the stimulus of a creative environment."

© target creativity 2009   |   01242 633 100 need public relations advice? visit target public relations