Celebrating Youth, Growth and Progress on International Youth Day.
At Cook + Associates, we’ve always believed in the power of potential.
That’s why, in 2012, we launched our apprenticeship programme – designed to offer a meaningful route into the world of brand experience for ambitious young minds. Whether it’s capturing on-site video at international shows, collaborating on creative concepts, managing campaign strategy, or learning the ropes of global event production, our apprentices are an integral part of the team from day one.
Since introducing the scheme, nine apprentices have completed the programme, gaining hands-on experience as they grow into senior roles across the business – from design to marketing, project management to strategy.
The journey continues with our current apprentice, Wil Banner, who joined in 2024 as a Graphic Design Apprentice. In less than a year, he’s already contributing to live projects, developing creative assets, and building the foundations for a career in brand experience.
Why do we invest in apprenticeships? Because we know the value of fresh perspective. And because nurturing young talent isn’t just good for business — it’s essential for the future of our industry.
Our Marketing Manager, Anna Bray, knows this first-hand, having completed both her Level 3 and degree-level qualifications with us.
“Apprenticeships give you the freedom to learn, make mistakes, and grow – all while working on incredible global projects. I’ve had the chance to see the industry from every angle whilst learning from marketing directors at some of the world’s top companies and agencies, and that foundation has been invaluable so far in my career. The beauty of an apprenticeship is that it doesn’t just teach you skills, it gives you the confidence to use them.” – Anna Bray, Marketing Manager
But this isn’t about ticking boxes. Our apprentices aren’t just observers – they’re contributors. From producing content at global events, to shaping strategy behind the scenes, each one has played a real role in our continued evolution.
Jack Tyler, Operations Manager, who started his career as an apprentice at Cook + Associates at 18 said:
“The beauty of this programme is that they’re never just making tea or sitting on the sidelines – from day one, they’re immersed in live projects, meeting clients, and solving real challenges. You see their confidence build with every show and every brief. It’s not just about teaching them the ropes; it’s about giving them the space to find their own way of doing things, and that’s where the magic happens.”
This International Youth Day, we celebrate the passion, energy, and innovation that young people bring to our industry – and we remain committed to building pathways that help them thrive. The industry is better with you in it.
Because when you invest in the next generation, the whole industry wins.