Creative communications agency DRPG is expanding its work experience programme for 2026 as part of its ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of talent within the creative communications industry.
The enhanced programme has been designed to provide students with more immersive, hands-on exposure to the breadth of disciplines across the business, giving participants practical insight into the pace, creativity and collaboration behind modern campaigns and business communications.
In 2025, DRPG supported 35 students through graduate and secondary school placements. The business has already received a further 56 placement enquiries for 2026 and is aiming to accommodate as many opportunities as possible.
As part of the new approach, DRPG has restructured its secondary school placements into a dedicated five-day programme running throughout June and July. Each cohort will welcome approximately 15 students from schools across the region, with a minimum of three programmes planned this year.
The programme has been developed to give students a realistic understanding of how creative ideas move through the agency, from initial concept development through to final delivery.
During the placements, students will work on a live-style creative brief spanning a range of specialist areas across the business, including:
- Brand foundations and design
- Brand development and campaign creative
- UX design and digital experience
- Motion branding and animation
- TV advert concept development and film
Alongside the secondary school programme, DRPG will continue to offer tailored graduate placements aligned to individual interests and career ambitions.
Feedback from students has already highlighted the impact of the work experience that DRPG offers. One recent participant said, “I really had a great time, and it has made my mind up that film and whatever that means is what I want to pursue in the future. Using the cameras and audio software was a real eye opener and something I want to work on in my own time.”
Following a recent school visit, one teacher also said:
“The vibe was absolutely buzzing on the way back with students all saying what a great trip it was and how positive they feel about careers, how much more they know and have a drive to pursue media afterwards.”
The initiative also complements wider talent development programmes within the business, including DRPG’s Next Gen Board, which gives selected employees under the age of 30 the opportunity to contribute ideas and perspectives to the future direction of the company.
DRPG’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent has been embedded within the business for decades. Four current members of the Board originally joined DRPG through work experience placements during the early 1990s.
Alicia Wilson, Head of People at DRPG, said:
“We want students to leave feeling like they’ve genuinely experienced the industry, not just observed it from the sidelines.
“Creative careers can sometimes feel difficult to access if you don’t know what the opportunities look like or where you fit. Giving young people real exposure to different disciplines and teams can make a huge difference to their confidence and ambitions.
“So many people within DRPG started their careers through opportunities like this, and that’s why continuing to invest in the next generation matters so much to us.”