GroupM's Media Masters graduate

They have since taken up positions with five GroupM agencies, Mindshare, MEC, Mediacom, Maxus and GroupM Social Media.

These apprentices, who are graduates from universities and polytechnics, were equipped with skills in media planning, systems training and business skills. They also had to deliver several projects which included several campaign briefs, the agency said.

Candidates are also being trained under the Singapore Media Academy (SMA), a continuing education and training centre supported by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), together with attachments to leading media agencies within the GroupM network.

Toby Hayward, CEO of GroupM Singapore, noted that the media industry "stands on the cusp of great change", while the rapid growth in social media and the dizzying rush to mobile computing and interaction offer great opportunities but also great challenges for its business and clients.

“The partnership between GroupM, the Singapore WDA and SMA would become a catalyst for the industry, providing successful applicants the chance to fast track their careers and become future leaders,” he added.

Mark Patterson, CEO at GroupM Asia Pacific said its business is crying out for savvy, opinionated people who “get” the business it is in.

“We don't want faceless suits who think we are in a service business and Excel is God. This programme will hopefully create some high maintenance monsters who will challenge us and themselves but help us change for the future.”

GroupM's Media Masters, launched late last year, is an ongoing programme which has already embarked on its second batch of candidates and opened applications for its third intake.