Are marketing apprenticeships right for me?

Interested in getting creative on Snapchat to big up a new clothing line? Fancy planning a glitzy event to launch a restaurant? Or what about using your analytical skills to encourage people to use a brand new app?

These are just a handful of tasks a marketer might have. The good news is you don’t need a degree to launch a career in marketing. You can do an apprenticeship instead of going to university. In this guide we’ll look at the different types of marketing apprentices and whether they might be right for you.

What actually is marketing though?

Marketing is the process of figuring out what products and services people want to buy, and then making sure customers want to buy it. Marketing often involves a creative approach, and it’s a crucial part of any business.

phone on notebook — Marketers use all sorts of tools to help them big up products
and services – everything from Google and Instagram,
to shop windows and posters.

Marketers work in all sorts of organisations, from big finance corporations to charities. They are also employed by agencies, which help different companies with their marketing (for example a production company might hire an agency of marketers to advertise their new movie).

Okay, so what are marketing apprenticeships?

An apprenticeship lets you learn and earn at the same time. You’ll develop key skills and gain experience on the job, while getting paid a salary. You’ll also work towards a qualification recognised by the industry.

Fun fact: one in five of all British companies have someone in their senior management who started out as an apprentice.

There are three broad types of marketing apprenticeships. During apprenticeships at the intermediate level you could train to become an event management assistant, junior marketing executive or market researcher.

And at the advanced level you could be working as an advertising account executive, marketing officer, or market research executive. You can also choose to do a higher apprenticeship in advertising and marketing communications.

(Check out our guide on what are the different levels of apprenticeships? if you’re stumped).

Check out this video to see why these young people chose to do an apprenticeship to start their career in marketing:

What will it actually be like?

Your apprenticeship will vary depending on your role, the employer and the sector you’re working in. You will usually work as part of a team, gaining key skills, an understanding of the workplace and the wider industry.

When it comes to technical skills, you could expect to learn about:

Market research, which means collecting and analysing data about customers, your competitors and the potential customer interest in a product.
Communicating with customers in different ways – it could be on social media or via email or phone.
Public relations”, ie the image that the product or service gives across to customers.
Budgeting to make sure a particular project doesn’t cost too much.
“Marketing plans”, which outline how a product or service will be promoted.
Using social media to advertise things, and keeping track of how successful it is.

While you’re developing skills and experience in the workplace, you’ll also be studying towards a qualification such as Level 3 or 4 digital marketing. Some employers may be able to offer you a full time role after your apprenticeship. Check the specific job listing for full information.