According to the group, it identified a need to create a bespoke internship programme in 2021 that includes hands-on mentoring, tailored training and exposure to real work experiences to help truly upskill and prepare young people for the ever-evolving world of work in the creative industry. 

Publicis Groupe Africa says that its 2024 internship initiatives focus on the importance of nurturing young creative talent to create a diverse and future-fit industry in Africa.

"The only way to create a future-fit team, is to truly invest in upskilling and developing our young talent in the industry," says Yevenia Naidoo, Publicis Groupe Africa's chief people officer. 

Since Naidoo started in her role in 2022, the internship initiative has evolved to become a fully-funded certified graduate programme, run in partnership with the ACASA and the Red and Yellow Creative School of Business, says the group.  

"Our programme helps to develop deep skills, expertise and knowledge, to advance people's careers in the creative industry and speaks to our ongoing commitment at Publicis Groupe Africa to grow diverse talent on our continent," says Naidoo. "We didn't want to be a company that simply ticked off BEE points," adds Naidoo. 

"The Le Cubs programme offers young, diverse talent the opportunity to gain valuable work experience within a leading global creative organisation. The programme offers real opportunities and sets the graduates up for sustainable career growth within our industry," says Publicis Groupe Africa's chief creative officer Pete Little. 

"The creative industry is constantly evolving, and it's so important that we, as industry leaders, continue to upskill our young talent with training, mentorship and access to the most modern tools and capabilities available," says Little.

"But more importantly, it's about creating spaces for connection, brainstorming, sharing of ideas, exposure to real briefs and problem-solving opportunities. This is how we build dynamic and diverse teams of the future," adds Little.

"At the heart of it, Le Cubs is about ensuring that our young people are equipped with the right skills to help them build their careers. It's also about giving back and fostering our commitment to developing young people from all kinds of diverse cultures and backgrounds," says Naidoo.  

The Publicis Groupe Africa concludes that both Naidoo and Little are hosting masterclasses as part of the programme's initiative. 

For more information, visit www.publicisgroupeafrica.com. You can also follow the Publicis Groupe Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor