Clemenger Group launches industry-first Agri Graduate Program

Clemenger Group has welcomed its first graduates, Anna Upton and Harriet Watson, into its Redhanded and Porter Novelli teams, following the launch of its inaugural Agri Graduate Program.

The holdco's Agri Graduate Program marks the first specialised agriculture graduate program in Australia’s marketing communications industry.  

During the eight-month program, the two chosen graduates will divide their time into a four-month rotation between Redhanded and Porter Novelli, gaining exposure to various aspects of marketing, communications, creative, and consulting within each company.

The program is an effort to foster talent within the agricultural sector and attract graduates from diverse academic backgrounds.

Porter Novelli's chief executive officer, Rhys Ryan, explained: “Agribusiness is a major part of our work at Porter Novelli and welcoming graduates with lived experience has been an exciting investment in our business and one that we know will directly benefit the outcomes of our agriculture industry clients.” 

Watson, who graduated with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Queensland, has enjoyed the transition to the media and communications side of agriculture.  

“Having worked on large beef enterprises and doing a harvest season in the Mallee, it is great to be  involved in advocating for the industry. I’ve been able to tap into my expertise and background on  farm when speaking with both farmers and rural journalists,” she said.  

Upton, who graduated from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology wth a Bachelor of Advertising, grew up diving her time between Victoria's Benalla and Melbourne.  

Upton said that “practical knowledge of the agriculture industry and my understanding of regional and rural communities has helped my work with Redhanded."

Redhanded is a full-service agency, specialising in communications for regional and rural Australia.

"It has been interesting to learn the creative processes behind the advertising that I’ve grown up seeing in local newspapers,” she said.

Stuart Shepard, managing director at Redhanded, added that the agency is "proud to be supporting the next generation of Australian agribusiness professionals."

"Anna and Harriet's arrival starts a new chapter  in us helping to develop the brightest minds who share our vision for a strong agribusiness sector," he said.  

Last month, creative agency Clemenger BBDO launched a new brand campaign for Racing and Wagering Western Australia’s TABtouch, alongside AFL spots.

See also: Clems launches brand campaign for Racing and Wagering WA’s TABtouch

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Top Image: Harriet Watson & Anna Upton