Marketing apprenticeships: qualifications and entry requirements

Fast-track your marketing career with an apprenticeship. Learn from experts, work on real-world projects, and develop essential skills

Become a marketing apprentice and gain the most relevant, up-to-date training, while applying it to real-world projects and earning a salary. You'll also develop valuable experience and build industry contacts.

What marketing apprenticeships are available?

Catering to diverse interests and career goals, marketing apprenticeships are offered across various areas and experience levels.

Beyond marketing-specific knowledge, apprentices gain valuable transferable skills such as effective communication, collaborative teamwork, creative problem-solving, and strategic leadership.

Digital marketing apprenticeships

These apprenticeships focus on the use of digital channels to promote products and services.

They may cover topics such as:

content marketing
data analytics
email marketing
marketing automation
pay-per-click (PPC) advertising
search engine optimisation (SEO)
social media marketing
website design and development.

Marketing executive apprenticeships

Focusing on supporting and delivering marketing plans, these apprentices work alongside marketing managers.

Apprenticeships may involve:

developing marketing strategies, aligning them with business objectives
conducting market research to identify target audiences, analyse trends, and gather insights to inform marketing decisions
executing marketing campaigns across various channels (digital, social media, print, etc.) to promote products or services
developing content such as blog posts, articles, social media posts, and email campaigns to attract and retain customers
optimising digital marketing activities, including SEO, PPC, email marketing, and social media advertising
analysing marketing performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.

Public relations (PR) apprenticeships

Apprentices learn to develop and implement PR campaigns to promote brands and products.

Responsibilities include:

investigating audience data and performing competitor analysis to inform strategic decisions
writing press releases, blog posts, social media content, speeches, and other materials to promote the organisation
building relationships with journalists, bloggers, and other media outlets to secure positive coverage
organising press conferences, product launches, and other events to generate buzz and engagement
developing crisis communication plans to protect the organisation's reputation during challenging times
engaging with online communities, responding to comments and messages, and tracking social media analytics.

What are the different levels of marketing apprenticeships?

Marketing apprenticeships are offered at several levels:

Intermediate (Level 2) - equivalent to five GCSEs, at grade 9-4, usually no eligibility criteria other than demonstrating the ability to complete the course.
Advanced (Level 3) - equivalent to two A-levels, you'll need a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification for this. However, those without formal qualifications may be eligible if they hold relevant industry experience through work placements, work shadowing or marketing internships.
Higher (Levels 4 and 5) - equivalent to a foundation degree, you'll need a Level 3 or similar (NVQ or BTEC) to study a Level 4. For a Level 5, the company may ask for more specific grades.
Degree (Level 6 and 7) - equivalent to a Bachelors (Level 6) or Masters degree (Level 7) There are strict qualification requirements for entry to degree apprenticeships.

Which companies offer marketing apprenticeships?

Amazon - a Level 3 diploma in multi-channel marketing focused on content creation, brand management, and analytics.
BBC - a Level 3 multi-channel marketer apprenticeship to drive demand for BBC services and develop skills in delivering marketing initiatives.
Cancer Research - offer a marketing executive apprenticeship where you'll work on campaign analysis and web design. The company offers apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 7.
Jet2 - a Level 3 multi-channel marketer apprenticeship and a Level 4 marketing executive apprenticeship, both based in Leeds.
Publicis Groupe - a brand strategy apprenticeship where you'll earn a Level 3 in advertising and media executive.
Zurich Insurance - offers a range of 15-21 month apprenticeships with Chartered Institute of Marketing affiliation and a permanent role upon completion.

The following companies offer digital marketing apprenticeships:

Generate Leads - a Level 7 digital marketing apprenticeship, accredited by the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Google - provide apprenticeships worldwide, including a 15-month Level 3 digital marketing apprenticeship in the UK.
NHS - offers digital marketing apprenticeships at all levels.
Sky - a two-year Level 3 multi-channel marketing apprenticeship with rotations including SEO and analytics.

The following companies offer PR apprenticeships:

Amazon - a two-year Level 4 public relations and communications assistant apprenticeship executing effective public relations and communications strategies to enhance the organisation's reputation and visibility.
Jet2 - an 18-month Level 6 public relations and communications apprenticeship based in Leeds, covering crisis management, media liaison, and campaign building.
Historic England - a Level 4 public relations and communications apprenticeship where you'll create press releases for regional, national, and broadcast media.

Consider an apprenticeship in another sector that offers a marketing rotation if you are unsure about a career in marketing and want to explore other areas before committing. For example, Lloyd's of London's three-year business apprenticeship includes a rotation in the marketing team.

If there is a specific company you'd like to work for, check their career page for opportunities. Alternatively, reach out to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to see what they offer.

Visit GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities or Digital Agency Network to find marketing agencies near you.

What do marketing apprenticeships involve?

Marketing apprenticeships offer a comprehensive mix of practical experience and formal education, often involving rotational placements. This allows you to gain exposure to a range of marketing skills and concepts, from core marketing principles to specialised areas.

For example, on the marketing apprenticeship with Zurich Insurance, you'll rotate through various teams, including:

broker and customer communications
digital experience
events.

The apprenticeship equips you with a strong foundation in marketing theory and practice, enabling you to create effective marketing content, analyse data, and implement successful campaigns. You'll also work towards a professional qualification, aligning your skills with industry standards which will set you up for a successful career in marketing.

As a digital marketing apprentice with Generate Leads, you'll have the opportunity to earn a BSc in digital marketing while gaining hands-on experience in a digital marketing agency. Upon successful completion, you'll receive accreditation from the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM) and become an Affiliate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), enhancing your career prospects and professional recognition.

What do marketing apprentices earn?

Salaries for apprentices are set by individual employers and typically exceed the National Minimum Wage (NMW), but they are generally not advertised.

For instance, Amazon offers apprenticeships paying between £12.30 and £13 per hour (depending on location), with degree-level apprenticeships earning up to £33,500 annually.

By law, apprentices under 19 in their first year will earn at least the NMW of £6.40 per hour as of 2024. Those over 19 after their first year receive the NMW for their age. Apprentices are paid for regular working hours and training time and receive at least 20 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays.

For more information on pay rates and working hours, see what is an apprenticeship?

How do I become a marketing apprentice?

To increase your chances of securing a marketing apprenticeship, carefully craft a compelling CV that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications. Marketing is a competitive field and recruiters read many CVs and cover letters, so it's important to tailor your CV to each application, highlighting the most relevant aspects of your profile.

Accompany your CV with a persuasive cover letter that expresses your genuine interest in marketing, explains why you're an ideal candidate for the apprenticeship, and outlines your aspirations for the future. Consider creating a portfolio to showcase any relevant projects or work samples that demonstrate your marketing abilities.

For guidance, see our example apprenticeship cover letter, or our tips on putting together a creative portfolio.

Finally, prepare thoroughly for interviews by practicing common questions and being ready to articulate your motivation, skills, and career goals confidently. Research the company thoroughly, and common questions they might ask, and think of some questions to ask the interviewer.

Some apprenticeships are advertised year-round, allowing you to apply at your convenience. However, many have specific deadlines, so it's crucial to apply early to increase your chances of securing a place. By researching deadlines and preparing your application materials in advance, you can optimise your apprenticeship application process and boost your prospects of landing a place.

Will I have a job at the end of my marketing apprenticeship?

Many employers view apprenticeships as an opportunity to train and hire new talent. By gaining practical experience and relevant qualifications during your apprenticeship, you'll be well-prepared to enter the marketing field.

However, it's important to actively contribute to your apprenticeship, demonstrate initiative, and build strong relationships with colleagues to maximise your chances of a full-time role.

Read more about how to apply for an apprenticeship.

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Marketing apprenticeships