Making the agency way of life accessible to any creative minds curious enough to explore marketing is a big priority for Knapton Wright.
Given that many would say our approach to marketing is a break from the norm, it should come as little shock that when it comes to the next generation of marketers, we’ve heavily invested in their development.
Nurturing young talent is one of the drivers that KW was founded on, a chance to showcase that creative opportunities can be found anywhere and everywhere - even in the (perceived as) sleepy Lincolnshire Wolds.
As an industry, marketing is increasingly accessible, and our creative corner in Caistor is just one example of that.
With our founders having cut their teeth in big ol’ London town and bringing their take on agency life back to Lincolnshire, making sure the creatively minded know that big cities aren’t the only place where agency experience can be gained, is exactly why we work with local schools, colleges and universities.
I first came to Knapton Wright for work experience, completely unaware of how the next two years would unfold - it’s been quite the journey! Officially coming into Knapton Wright as an apprentice, up until spring 2025, my apprenticeship presented a steep learning curve. One filled with projects, creative challenges, and the kind of support that makes you believe you can do more than you ever thought possible.
Over nearly two years, I built skills, confidence, and resilience - and discovered how much I love the buzz of a fast-paced, people-focused role. Now, as a Client Services Associate at KW, I get to bridge the gap between clients and our team. Knapton Wright didn’t just give me a career, they gave me skills, confidence, support, and more laughter than I ever thought possible.
At Caistor Grammar School, we seek to use lively minds, to work hard, to develop all our talents, and to grow through sharing to be the best version of ourselves. This mission is at the heart of everything we do, and working with local businesses such as Knapton Wright to provide work experience placements has been an incredibly positive and enriching aspect of our school's approach to Personal development.
These collaborations are extremely positive and impactful. They allow students to engage with the professional world in meaningful ways, gaining practical experience and insight that complements their academic learning.
For the school, these relationships are essential. They strengthen our ties with the community, create shared opportunities for growth, and reinforce our commitment to preparing students not just for exams, but for life beyond the classroom. Local businesses like Kapton Wright play a vital role in this journey, offering mentorship, inspiration, and real-world context that enriches our educational environment.
Equally, these opportunities are of great importance to our students. They help build confidence, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. Many students discover new interests or affirm existing aspirations through these placements, returning to school with a clearer vision of their future and a deeper appreciation for the skills they are developing.
We are truly grateful to Knapton Wright and other local businesses who generously invest their time and resources into supporting our students. Their involvement plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation, and we look forward to continuing and expanding these valuable partnerships.
All work experience placements aren’t just valuable for our visitors; they benefit the KW team just as much. Seeing the kind of work we do every day through the eyes of the next gen - and hearing honest, thoughtful feedback - gave us a new perspective on what we do and how we do it.
Seeing future marketers immersed in the office environment is where we see so much additional value added. Outside of the work that they have been assigned, spending time in an office environment with a team involves students in totally different conversations, be that about what they had for tea, plans for the weekend or their futures and career opportunities.
Their plans (or uncertainties) around university and apprenticeships, and their questions about how we each found our way into marketing and the different experiences that led each of us to Knapton Wright.
By partnering with local schools and providing real opportunities for students to engage with live projects, we can only hope to nurture the talent that will shape our industry’s future.
