FAQ: What are marketing apprenticeships? (With benefits)

An apprenticeship is a learning method that facilitates practical learning through training and technical instruction while allowing students to earn money. Apprenticeships are available in many different fields, including marketing. Learning about marketing apprenticeships can help you understand their benefits and how they can advance your career. In this article, we define these types of apprenticeships and answer frequently asked questions about apprenticeships in marketing.

What are marketing apprenticeships?

Marketing apprenticeships comprise training that focuses on developing your marketing knowledge, skills and experience. Such an apprenticeship provides you with relevant and up-to-date training that you can apply in a professional environment. Apprenticeships also serve as education equivalents, as each level of apprenticeship equals a specific education level. For example, a Level 2 apprenticeship is equivalent to GCSEs.

What are the benefits of marketing apprenticeships?

The following are the benefits of apprenticeships:

Gain practical experience

Apprentices work alongside experienced professionals for a significant part of their apprenticeships. This helps them develop their own skill sets. This experience can also help them to feel comfortable in a marketing environment.

Access support systems and learning aids

Apprenticeships provide more support than regular jobs. Employers and supervisors guide their apprentices through their career journeys by helping them learn and giving advice. They answer their marketing-related questions and refer them to the material to help them with their studies.

Earn money while you learn

Apprentices typically earn money as they learn. They usually earn a basic salary. Apprentices also get 20 days of paid annual leave and bank holidays.

Gain industrial qualifications

Apprentices gain marketing industry qualifications, which help them validate their knowledge and skills and show their value to future employers. These qualifications serve them throughout their career and improve their job prospects. Marketing apprentices usually receive a qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) or a similar organisation.

Adapt to the work environment

An apprenticeship fills the gap between completing your education and starting your career. It helps you understand and adapt to the workplace as you learn in a marketing environment, which can be in the field or in-office. It also helps you develop transferable skills, such as problem-solving skills, time management and communication.

Improve your employability

Potential employers usually consider a candidate's experience level before hiring them. Candidates who have completed a marketing apprenticeship are more likely to get the marketing job they want. This is because an apprenticeship helps them show their skills and expertise in fulfilling marketing responsibilities.

Access to student discounts

Apprentices get a National Union of Students discount card. This offers students deals in various shops, restaurants and James. Students get discounts on purchases both in-store and online.

Related: What are apprenticeship benefits? (Plus eligibility)

Types of apprenticeships

The following are different apprenticeships in marketing:

• Digital marketing: A digital marketing apprenticeship gives apprentices skills that help them design, build, implement and manage marketing campaigns on various online and offline platforms. A digital marketing apprenticeship can help you become an SEO specialist, social media executive, marketing communications executive or digital marketing executive.

• Social media marketing: Social media apprenticeships involve learning how to manage social media campaigns on different platforms. This is a form of digital marketing that promotes products or services on social media websites, blogs and emails.

• Public relations: A public relations (PR) marketing apprenticeship involves developing a positive image and public relations for individuals or organisations. PR apprentices assist PR officers by managing public relations via online and offline communications and attending networking events.

What are the duties of a marketing apprentice?

The responsibilities of a marketing apprentice depend on where they work. Key tasks include the following:

• collecting and analysing data for market research

• training for search engine optimisation

• developing and maintaining communication with clients using various channels, including phones, emails, radio, TV and press

• utilising social media to benefit businesses

• planning and budgeting for marketing campaigns

• finishing training and assessments

• updating training records and producing them when necessary

• developing certain competencies as per the training plan

• following the conditions of their employment contract

• performing their job as per their supervisor's directions

• behaving professionally and politely and following all legal instructions

What are the apprenticeship levels in marketing?

The following is a list of the apprenticeship levels in marketing and their educational equivalents:

Level 2

A Level 2, or intermediate, apprenticeship is equivalent to five GCSE passes. It's the lowest apprenticeship level available. Level 2 apprenticeships have few eligibility criteria. Leaders of apprenticeship programmes want apprenticeship candidates to show they can complete the course. The minimum age for an intermediate apprenticeship is 16 years old. Some companies consider the candidate's attitude before giving them apprenticeship opportunities.

Related: Q&A: What is an intermediate apprenticeship?

Level 3

A Level 3, or advanced, apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-level passes. Apprentices usually advance to Level 3 after completing a Level 2 apprenticeship. Companies that offer Level 3 apprenticeships typically hire candidates with five passes at GCSE or a Level 2 apprenticeship. Some companies don't request any formal qualifications for Level 3 apprenticeships, while others require you to have minimal experience in marketing.

Levels 4 and 5

A Level 4 apprenticeship, or higher apprenticeship, is equivalent to a Higher National Certificate, which is the first year of an undergraduate marketing degree and a foundational degree. Its requirements are stricter than those for Level 3. For example, companies may want candidates that have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, NVQs or SVQs, a BTEC qualification or two passes at A level.

A Level 5 apprenticeship is also a higher apprenticeship, but it's equivalent to a full degree. Its eligibility criteria are similar to Level 4's, but it's more advanced, meaning some employers may request extra requirements. For example, a company may want candidates with a minimum of a C grade in A-level marketing.

Read more: What is a level 4 apprenticeship? (And its equivalents)

Levels 6 and 7

Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships, or degree apprenticeships, are available at universities. Candidates with a Level 6 apprenticeship can obtain a full bachelor's degree, and those at Level 7 can receive a master's degree in a marketing-related subject. Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships may have strict requirements, and many candidates have transferable qualifications that qualify them for the apprenticeship.

Related: What is a degree apprenticeship? (Definition and benefits)

How to become a marketing apprentice

The following are some steps to take to become a marketing apprentice:

1. Research apprenticeship opportunities

Research some apprenticeship opportunities to identify their entry-level requirements. For example, employers usually ask candidates for a Level 4 apprenticeship to have at least two A levels and some relevant experience. You can research apprenticeship opportunities on employers' websites.

Related: 6 apprenticeship interview questions (with example answers)

2. Send CVs and cover letters to apply for opportunities

When applying for marketing apprentice positions, write a CV to show your suitability for the position. When writing a CV, include your contact information, a professional summary and details of your experience, skills and education. If you have minimal experience, focus on your academic achievements and highlight transferable skills, such as time management and organisation.

When writing about your work experience, consider mentioning voluntary work if you have minimal experience. In addition, a cover letter can help outline your qualifications and CV. For example, if you've just finished school and have minimal experience, you can clarify this in your cover letter.

Related: How to write an apprenticeship cover letter (with examples)

3. Attend interviews and complete relevant tests

Prepare for interviews to improve your chances of getting an apprenticeship. Research each company to understand its values and review common marketing interview questions to help you prepare. Understand your strengths, areas you can improve and career goals so that you can discuss them confidently. Consider practising with a friend, family member or teacher to help you overcome any nervousness.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.