Xchangeteam identifies the Communication amd Marketing stars of the future

Xchangeteam, the people resourcing company, has established Next Generation, a new service to help identify and attract emerging talent in the communications industries. The service has been launched in recognition that the communications and marketing sectors are in the midst of a skills shortage, with many talented individuals having left the industry due to previous redundancy, frustration at the lack of opportunities available to them or to pursue alternative careers.



The shortage is set to get worse; according to a McKinsey report, in the next three years alone, the number of UK workers in the 25-44 age group is forecast to decline by 5%, a staggering 634,000 people.

Next Generation is committed to supplying the communication sector, both in-house and agency, with quality, pre-vetted graduates and junior professionals. Xchangeteam has linked up with leading universities across the UK to encourage new entrants to the industry and to understand their motivations and expectations.

In talking to graduates, Xchangeteam has unveiled certain perceptions of the industry. Some see it as ìa rewarding professionî, ìnot a 9 to 5 jobî and ìa demanding, competitive, occasionally ruthless industryî. One graduate went as far to say: ìit is the most important factor of the business world, without it there would be no businesses.î

Next Generation aims to provide companies with the best, hungriest and most ambitious graduates. They will be placed on a ëfee-freeí initial eight-week work placement, with an opportunity to make this a permanent arrangement. This is a unique option that gives both parties a chance to ëtry before they buyí. Competitive fees apply for junior professionals.

All applicants will be thoroughly vetted and will have to go through a rigorous registration process including writing, presenting and, possibly, psychometric testing

before being accepted. This gives peace of mind that Next Generation is identifying the best junior professionals who will add value to any business.

Emma Brierley, CEO of Xchangeteam, commented, ìNext Generation is looking to recognise emerging and new talent in the industry and supply this to the leading agencies and in-house departments in the UK. Initial trials with leading Agencies and in-house departments have been very successful. Companies are realising that understanding, supporting and coaching the next generation of graduates coming into the industry is essential if we are to avoid further skills shortagesî.