Update: The Orchard page has now been removed from Apple’s site and redirects back to Apple’s homepage.
Apple has quietly created a new program called Orchard with the goal of seeking out the next best marketing talent. Job listings have been appearing gradually over the past few weeks for the program, but Apple this evening has launched a new Orchard page on its website that talks about the program.
Apple explains on its jobs webpage the goal of Orchard is to “bring together talented and diverse group of up-and-coming creatives to learn and grow with professionals at Apple.”
The program will consist of 10 participants: 4 Art Directors, 4 Copywriters, and 2 Strategic Planners. Apple writes that, in most cases, Orchard applicants will have a degree in creative communications or have around 3 years of experience. Once accepted, members of Orchard will be put through a set curriculum, receive mentoring from Apple employees and work closely with colleagues on Apple project.
On the new Orchard webpage, Apple touts the challenges of the program and the strenuous process members will go through:
Interested parties can apply via this link. Applications will be taken until November 4th, after which a selection committee will screen applicants. In December, one-on-one interviews will be held in Cupertino. The program will last from January 16th, 2017 to August 25, 2017.
Kick ass together. Panic together. Grow together. Work alongside the brains behind all the iconic work you love from Apple. Watch and learn. Trust your gut. Challenge our ways. Have an impact on everything you touch. Be prepared to stumble and fumble and embarrass yourself. It will be messy, and it won’t be pretty at times, but if you stick together as a team, you’ll build a special bond and something truly great will come out of it all. Take it from us. It’s the only way. Does this proposal sound crazy to you? Good. We like crazy.
This isn’t the first time Apple has launched an internal program to train potential Apple employees. For instance, Apple University was created to train in management and management techniques.
