We have two new 8848 summer campaigns to share with you this month.
Bus Driver Experience Days
Our first campaign is for leading training provider Realise. The campaign has given people across the UK the chance to experience life as a bus driver – and potentially take the first steps to a new career.
We worked with our client Realise to introduce a series of experience days to promote a new Route to Success training course. Working with local authorities, Realise is offering courses in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. In addition, there are courses in Liverpool and Tees Valley.
8848 was responsible for media relations. We invited journalists to take part in the training, producing follow-up content to promote the scheme. Regional television, newspapers, radio stations and websites all attended to throw the spotlight on the innovative programme.
One of the courses was delivered on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The Authority aims to create more than 100 new bus drivers to help protect services and routes across Greater Manchester region.
Kairon Flowers is Operations Director at Realise. She said: “This bus driver experience day was a flagship event in our Skills Bootcamp Route to Success programme in Greater Manchester.
“For people seeking a new challenge and thinking bus driving may be an option they are keen to pursue, it was an ideal snapshot into what a career in the industry may look like.”
It is hoped the new scheme will provide a regional solution to the nationwide bus driver shortage.
Summer Super Stars with Maped Helix
We’ve also worked with the famous stationery brand this summer to encourage children to get creative and banish holiday boredom.
The Summer Super Stars campaign was open to children of all ages and abilities. It offered the opportunity to enjoy a weekly craft activity.
The social media campaign created and launched by 8848 ran throughout the summer holidays. In total, it generated 25,000 video plays and thousands of other interactions.
Lianne Fletcher is Head of Marketing at Maped Helix. She said: “As a parent myself, I know it can be challenging to keep young children entertained over the long summer holidays. There are only so many times you can visit the local park.
“We have come up with some fantastic craft ideas to help parents keep their kids busy, have fun together and to encourage them to take some time away from screens.”
8848 Agency is a full-service communications agency based in South Staffordshire. The team offer PR, social media, digital marketing, customer management and creative design.