AMASA invests in industry education

AMASA’s successful two year old Learnership Programme (ALP) continues growing from strength to strength, with the non-profit organisation securing partner agencies Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) and Ads24 as the 2011 intern hosts. 

The AMASA ALP’s core purpose is to inject fresh young talent into the media industry by partnering with South Africa’s leading media agencies and owners for mentoring and fast-tracking hands-on experience.

AMASA’s Johannesburg chairperson, Lyn Jones comments, “The AMASA Learnership Programme is suitable to applicants who preferably have a degree or diploma, and who possess exceptional academic credentials, passion for the industry, and significant potential. Our core focus is to attract bright young minds into media, ensure that they excel, and to keep their intellect within the industry.”

“The three graduates selected by AMASA and the agencies, will be jointly trained by AMASA and the partner agencies, with each intern receiving a six-month remunerated contract with the agency as well as free entrance to the AAA media course and the AMASA Media Planning Workshop – with the intention of the graduates becoming employed full time within the industry thereafter.”

21 year old journalism graduate Ratile Mathe joins SMG while Mmone Sebotsa, a 24 year old marketing graduate and Siziphiwe Nxasana, a 22 year old corporate communications graduate join Ads 24.

According to Lyn, all previous ALP interns have been employed full time by the host agencies, with SMG being partners for the third consecutive year.

“We’d like to thank our ALP portfolio co-ordinators K for all their hard work, as well as the 2011 ALP partners for their time, effort and financial commitment in ensuring the best talent is attracted, and kept within our industry. We’re confident that the programme and the latest recruits will grow from strength to strength,” concludes Lyn.