The Woolworths and Loeries Student Portfolio showcase is an initiative that aims to reshape work experience in the creative sector to meet the needs of both young people and business.
In its second year, the initiative, which is benchmarked against the best programmes of their kind in the world, gives 75 communication and advertising students from various institutions across Africa, a chance to showcase their work and skills, in an intensive four-week boot camp. The programme also provides an opportunity for mentorship, skills development, access to information and content and the chance to be hired by some of the biggest agencies across the region.
‘Woolworths recognises the enormous potential that young people have to drive economic growth and help our communities to thrive. We passionately believe the youth of our country are among the most powerful drivers of social change and are committed to nurturing and developing our future creative thinkers,’ said Kate Fordyce, head of the in-house creative agency at Woolworths.
Through this project, one student will be awarded a 12-month internship with Woolworths’ in-house creative agency, which will provide further exposure and experience across all creative disciplines and platforms.
Woolworths has always believed skills development is a key enabler to empowerment and transformation, not only for the company, but also for the retail sector and the country. It has been actively involved in making a difference in South Africa, through a number of initiatives and partnerships, including the MySchoolMyVillageMyPlanet programme, Educare and Eduplant programmes, and contribution of educator material and support through its Educational Programmes.
‘The impact of the Woolworths Loeries Portfolio Bootcamp will resonate strongly with the creative industry as it will allow the best new talent to find opportunities in the creative industry. The bootcamp judges represent major agencies and brands, thereby ensuring that the 75 students will come out the four-week process with actual skills that will set them on a path to be the next generation of influential creatives,’ said Loeries CEO, Preetesh Sewraj.
Shortlisted candidates for the Woolworths internship:
|
Name of student |
Location |
|
Mashudu Mabata |
Limpopo |
|
Imraan Safla |
Cape Town |
|
Keenan Pillay |
Cape Town |
|
Mbali Sereko |
Pretoria |
|
Mukwela Majola |
Durban |
|
Nina Matthee |
Port Elizabeth |
|
Luvo Zwide |
Cape Town |
|
Vickhal Roopram |
Durban |
In recognition of important political, societal, and cultural issues that currently impact South Africans, the Loeries and the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria have partnered to uplift and up-skill youth in the brand communications space. ‘The initiative aims to inspire and foster creative excellence and innovation in the broader advertising and communications industry,’ explained Loeries CEO, Preetesh Sewraj.
The U.S. Embassy has sponsored the participation of Los Angeles-based Jess Weiner, a cultural expert who focuses on the intersection of business, social change and inclusivity. Weiner will unpack gender and race issues during a presentation at Loeries Creative Week, at a time when the #BlackLivesMatter and #NotInMyName movements dominate the public discourse in the United States and around the world.
American Corner Pretoria (ACP) will also host an ongoing series of talks by industry professionals during 2021. ACP is one of over 650 spaces established in 150 countries worldwide, nine of which are in South Africa. ACP provides a welcoming environment where visitors can connect and learn about the United States and other important topics through programmes, lectures, and various content platforms. All programmes provided at ACP are completely free of charge.
‘The American Corner Pretoria is a space designed to spark new ideas through collaboration. We have held a number of successful events at ACP and the partnership with the Loeries will further open up space to the wider creative industry,’ explained Embassy Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Frank Whitaker.
‘The American Corner Pretoria will serve as an exciting hub to help further highlight the value of creative economy jobs in amplifying positive social messages. The initiatives of ACP and the Loeries both pertain to uplifting South Africa’s youth and we appreciate the support of the U.S. Embassy in working with us on this important social cause,’ added Sewraj.
‘By partnering with the Loeries, a highly-regarded organisation in the creative industry, the U.S. Embassy will impart new knowledge, and provide resources and opportunities for young, aspiring creatives and all who visit the American Corner in Pretoria on a daily basis,’ concluded Whitaker. The American Corner in Pretoria is located at Es’kia Mphahlele Community Library, Sammy Marks Square, Corner of Madiba and Lillian Ngoyi Street. Find more information on Facebook at facebook.com/acpretoria.
