Manchester Masters, an initiative set up to promote opportunities for the best graduate PR and creative talent, has now started its search for the region’s top graduates.

Ten finalists will each have the opportunity to take part in four placements throughout the year, working in a variety of PR, advertising, marketing, digital and other creative roles within a range of Manchester companies. In previous years, placement companies have included organisations such as Timpsons, MediaCityUK and theEword.

The finalists will also undertake a fee free masters degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, meaning each student will finish the programme having gained industry experience and achieved further educational excellence.

Students who have recently graduated from Greater Manchester universities can apply for the programme by completing an online form found at www.manchestermasters.com.

“Despite funding and budgets being cut across the country, we’ve battled against the odds to keep the programme running for a third year,” said Sandy Lindsay, project director for Manchester Masters and Tangerine PR’s group managing director.