Marketing apprenticeships: qualifications and programmes

Apprenticeships in marketing are a great way to learn from experienced professionals, fast-track your way into the industry and earn a competitive salary

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 kinds of marketing apprenticeships are available?

Marketing apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field and develop the skills needed for a successful career. Apprenticeships are available in a variety of marketing disciplines, including digital marketing, social media, and public relations (PR).

Digital marketing apprenticeships teach apprentices how to use a range of digital channels to promote products and services. Apprentices may learn about:

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

Social media apprenticeships focus on developing the skills needed to manage and grow a company's social media presence. Apprentices may learn about:

social media strategy
content creation
community management
social media analytics
social media advertising.

Public relations (PR) apprenticeships teach apprentices how to develop and implement PR campaigns to promote a company's brand and products. Apprentices may learn about:

media relations
crisis communications
social media for PR
content marketing for PR
event planning.

In addition to learning about the specific areas of marketing, apprentices also typically receive training in general business skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, and leadership.

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, or industry experience in some cases.
Higher (Levels 4 and 5) - equivalent to a foundation degree or full degree, depending on the level. You'll need a Level 3 or similar (NVQ or BTEC). 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.

Look for sales, marketing and procurement apprenticeships on GOV.UK.

Which companies offer marketing apprenticeships?

Amazon - offers two different apprenticeships - a Level 3 diploma in digital marketing and a Level 3 Apprenticeship Marketing Executive
BBC - provides a Level 4 marketing executive apprenticeship, based in either London or Salford and lasting 12 months.
Cancer Research - this marketing, fundraising and engagement accelerate scheme is a 19 month apprenticeship, where you will work supporting campaign analysis and creating web design. The company's apprenticeships range from Level 2 to Level 7.
Generate Leads - this agency offers a degree apprenticeship in digital marketing.
Google - offers apprenticeships all around the world and the one based in the UK is a 15-month Level 3 digital marketing apprenticeship.
NHS - offers all levels of digital marketing apprenticeships.
Sky - has a Level 3, two-year digital marketing apprenticeship in West London.
Virgin Media - runs a Level 3, 16-month programme with three rotations in different digital marketing teams.

If you're not sure if marketing is right for you and want to explore other areas before committing, consider an apprenticeship in another sector that offers a marketing rotation. For example, Lloyd's of London's three-year business apprenticeship includes a rotation in the marketing team. Browse other business apprenticeships to see what's available.

If you have a specific company in mind, check their career page for opportunities. It's also worth contacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to see what they have to offer.

Visit GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship to see what apprenticeships are available, or the Digital Agency Network to find marketing agencies close to you.

What do marketing apprenticeships involve?

Marketing apprenticeship tasks vary depending on the company and the level of the apprenticeship. For example, Cancer Research UK's marketing apprenticeship requires GCSEs in maths and English (grade 4-9) and includes tasks such as web design, campaign preparation and review, and working closely with marketing teams.

Amazon's Level 3 digital marketing apprenticeship involves a mix of online study and in-person workshops, covering modules such as principles of coding, customer lifecycle, and secure digital operations. Upon successful completion, apprentices will be fully competent digital marketers and work collaboratively in teams at Amazon.

The BBC's Level 4 marketing executive apprenticeship covers core marketing concepts and theories, brand and reputation, and stakeholder management. Upon completion, apprentices will earn a position in the BBC's marketing community.

Generate Leads' degree apprenticeship will not only get you a Bachelors degree in digital marketing but you’ll also be accredited with the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM). You'll work on SEO, web design, email automation and launching and managing your own campaigns.

Who are apprenticeships aimed at?

Intermediate (Level 2) and advanced (Level 3) apprenticeships are typically for school leavers. Level 2 is a good option for anyone looking to get started in the marketing industry, regardless of their age or experience.

To start a Level 3 apprenticeship, you typically need five GCSEs at grades 9-4. If you don't have any formal qualifications, you may be able to substitute industry experience.

Higher apprenticeships (Levels 4 and 5) are for those with A-levels or who have already completed an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship.

Alternatively, those who have achieved their A-levels can take on a degree apprenticeship (Level 6), which is fully funded by the company and includes a salary. After completing Level 6, you may then choose to pursue a Level 7 apprenticeship, which is equivalent to a Masters degree.

How much will I be paid?

Apprentices under the age of 19 and in their first year of an apprenticeship are paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW) of £6.40 per hour (from April 2024). Apprentices over the age of 19 who have completed their first year must be paid the NMW for their age.

Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and any training that is part of the apprenticeship scheme. They are also entitled to at least 20 days of paid holiday per year, as well as bank holidays.

Salaries for apprentices are set by individual employers, but they are typically significantly higher than the NMW.

For example, Cancer Research UK apprentices earn £22,950 per annum for 35 hours a week (£12.61 per hour), in a hybrid role that requires them to go to the office once or twice a week.

By comparison, BBC Level 4 apprentices earn a salary of £19,500 in their first year (with a London living allowance of £4,918), which is £10.71 per hour (£13.42 in London). BBC apprentices also receive 25 days of holiday.

Virgin Media Level 3 (advanced) apprentices start on a salary of £21,500 (about £11.81 per hour), which increases to £24,500 after 12 months (about £13.46 per hour). Upon completion, apprentices can earn up to £28,000 (about £15.38 per hour). Virgin Media apprentices also receive 25 days of holiday and other benefits.

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

How do I become a marketing apprentice?

To get your application right, tailor it to the company you're applying to. Recruiters read many CVs and cover letters, so be clear and concise. See our example apprenticeship cover letter.

Prepare for the interview as if it were a job. Research the company thoroughly, and common questions they might ask, and think of some questions to ask the interviewer. Be prepared and rehearse with someone.

Some apprenticeship vacancies are listed year-round, while others have deadlines. Apply early for the best chance.

Read more about how to apply for an apprenticeship.