D&AD gives graduate talent a route to jobs

D&AD is launching its first graduate placement scheme to provide a structured route for employment and allow design consultancies to tap into an ‘accredited’ pool of talent.

The initiative has been on the table for 12 months and is born out of ‘industry demand’, according to a spokeswoman for D&AD.

The scheme is being headed up by Claire Fennelow, director of education, and Chris Thompson, education and deputy team director.

It is open to students taking part in D&AD’s 16 other existing programmes, such as the D&AD Best New Blood, D&AD Student Awards and D&AD Universities Network Programme.

‘There was no structured way to get work placements previously. It was haphazard and ad-hoc,’ adds the spokeswoman.

To access the scheme, design consultancies must be members of the D&AD Education Council.