Citypress partners with University of Salford to create industry access initiative

Communications agency Citypress has formed a new partnership with University of Salford to provide learning and development opportunities for students looking to build a career in communications.

The partnership will include a series of guest lectures from its senior practitioners, professional workshops and two-week paid placements for students on its MA in Public Relations and Digital Communications.

Citypress, which was recently highly commended in the mid-sized consultancy of the year and also awarded the PRWeek UK Best Place to Work (Large Agency), said the partnership was an important part of its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Charter, which aims to attract more diverse talent into the industry through stronger links with locally-based schools, colleges and universities.

Debbie Manley, programme leader for the University’s MA/PGDip in PR and Digital Communications, said: “We’re excited to be working with Citypress to help our students learn more about careers in communications whilst gaining practical experience that’s directly relevant to their course. As Manchester’s biggest communications agency, it’s fantastic to have them on board as we extend the University’s connections with the industry’s leading employers.”

Martin Currie, managing director of Citypress, said: “The partnership fits perfectly with our mission to attract more diverse talent into our agency and build a more inclusive talent pool for the industry. The University of Salford also offers some of the most advanced courses in our discipline so is the ideal partner.”

Other partnerships include a programme of immersive ‘work safaris’ with the Manchester Communications Academy in Harpurhey which gives school-age children their first taste of the communications industry through talks and creative tasks.

The employee-owned agency, which has its headquarters in Manchester and offices in Edinburgh, London and Birmingham, also has a long-term partnership with Creative Access, which provides career opportunities for underrepresented groups.