Ed Vaizey MP Champions Creative Industries for Investing in Talent Through Creative Pioneers Challenge

Ed Vaizey MP Champions Creative Industries for Investing in Talent Through Creative Pioneers Challenge PR Newswire LONDON, July 17, 2012 LONDON, July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- thEd Vaizey MP, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, has today (17 July) praised the creative and digital media industries for offering almost 100 job opportunities and business support to fresh talent, through the IPA/Metro Creative Pioneers Challenge. The Government-backed competition, supported by high profile patrons* including Dragons' Den's James Caan, was launched in January 2012 with the mission to find the next generation of creative pioneers. Of the 87 successful candidates: 20% have been offered internships, comprising a three-month paid placement in a company. 21% have been offered paid apprenticeships, comprising a one-year Government and Creative Skillset-backed formal scheme consisting of training, on the job learning, and a qualification on completion. 59% have been offered business support tailored to their business needs, such as the offer of a mentor, office space and/or publicity. The successful candidates range in ages from 16 to 46-years-old, with the average age at 24-years-old. 83% of the opportunities are based in L o n d o n, 8% in N e w c a s t l e, 6% in M a n c h e s t e r, 2% in E d i n b u r g h and 1% in B r i s t o l. Companies offering jobs include: AMV BDDO, Square Enix, Karmarama and ZenithOptimedia.