Agency drive for talent a big success

Interns programme a plus for city Advertising agency Boomtown managing director Andrew MacKenzie believes that if more creative youth talent remained in the Eastern Cape, young people could reap the benefits of a thriving industry. He expressed these sentiments as the agency looks to acquire more creative young black talent to experience what the advertising industry is like before they venture into the real world. Aimed at fast-tracking graduates and helping them create careers in the industry, the programme – called Bayeza – has resulted in interns finding employment after completing a one-year i n t e rn s h i p . Through the programme, current students as well as graduates can explore the inner workings of the fastpaced advertising industry, with the emphasis being placed on graphic designers who are looking to gain experience. At least 20 interns have been through the programme since its inception in 2011. These graduates managed to find employment either within Boomtown or in other parts of the country. The programme has grown from one intern in 2011 to five interns in the programme for the last few years. Each intern undergoes 12 months of training modules covering specific areas of their field of work. They are mentored by senior staff who have been involved in the industry for more than 20 years. MacKenzie said Boomtown worked closely with NMMU to recruit graduates and students.