Opportunity for agencies to access Creative Industry Apprenticeship Standards

The 2025 Bauer Academy Open Programme offers agencies the chance to tap into apprenticeship standards that are widely used in the creative industry. Whether your agency is new to apprenticeships or looking to expand your current training efforts, this program unlocks valuable talent without needing a large team of apprentices.

In 2023, £6.3M of apprenticeship levy funds went unused by agencies that pay into the levy—making up 73.1% of available funds (IPA Census). This is often because it was challenging to find an open programme that works for smaller teams or specific needs.

With Bauer Academy's programme, agencies can take advantage of apprenticeship standards designed for both newcomers (such as Advertising and Media Executive or Junior Advertising Creative) and experienced professionals looking to upskill (for roles like Operations Manager or Advertising Creative). There’s even a degree-level Senior Leader Programme for senior staff.

Best of all, Bauer Academy’s programme doesn’t require you to have a full cohort of ten apprentices—agencies can start with just one candidate, making it easier than ever to participate and make the most of the funds available to you.

Why does the IPA recommend Bauer Academy?

1. Bauer Academy already works with agencies of all sizes and types. For example IPG Mediabrands, Ogilvy, Havas, Radioworks, Generation Media, and media owners such as the BBC, ITV, Tik Tok, plus household names like Amazon and L’Oreal.
2. It is part of a media owner, Bauer Media Group, operating across Europe.
3. It won Creative and Design Apprenticeship Provider of the Year in 2024.
4. It is rated as Excellent by employers on Gov.uk.
5. It holds Investors in People Gold accreditation.
6. It worked with the IPA and employers to increase the funding bands for two apprenticeship standards agencies use - Advertising and Media Executive and Junior Advertising Creative.
7. Outside apprenticeships, Bauer Academy provide other learning solutions and run useful AI Innovation sessions.

If you have any questions or are interested please contact their Head of Partnership gillian.shaw@bauermedia.co.uk or visit  Bauer Academy - Creating educational change. 

If you have any entry level career questions please visit the IPA Career’s Hub or email gwyn@ipa.co.uk.