Experiential agency WRG has partnered with Ashdown Academy in London on a project designed to find the event stars of the future.

The new 2015 programme, based at the University of London and King’s College, builds on WRG’s existing postgraduate scheme run in conjunction with Manchester Metropolitan University.

The new programme sees WRG engaging future talent for the agency’s London office. Nadisha Jayatissa, 26, becomes the first event management student to take up a three-month work placement at WRG’s London office.

The schemes involve WRG team supporting students on the Chartered Institute of Marketing accredited event management course with classroom tuition, guest lectures and on the job training.

Jayatissa started her new role on 20 July and is supporting the WRG team across a number of clients and projects.

She said: “I am hugely excited about my placement with WRG. During my time at Ashdown Academy, WRG was one of the most talked-about companies, so to actually get the opportunity to work with the team is something I’m very much looking forward to.”

Rob Bagust, head of congress at WRG said: “We feel it’s important to encourage and support the next generation of event professionals. With our global brand portfolio, this is a unique opportunity for WRG to be part of the start of someone’s career and we look forward to bringing new talent and a fresh perspective into the business.”

Justine Kane, course director at Ashdown Academy added: “Businesses are key to the future of postgraduate education and our partnership with WRG means we can offer our students real-life work experience to support their classroom tuition to launch their career in the events industry.”

Ashdown Academy provides event management courses at University of London and King’s College London. Each course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing.