Marketing has never been more accessible, or more complex. New channels, new technology and rising customer expectations mean you need people who understand both the tools and the principles behind marketing that works.
Most organisations respond in one of two ways. They hire in, or they send people on a one-off course. There’s a third route that builds capability from within, keeps people engaged and, for eligible employers, costs nothing directly. A marketing apprenticeship. Here’s why we think it’s the strongest way to upskill your team.
The marketing skills gap is real
If your marketing team feels stretched, you’re not alone. Just 4% of marketing and creative leaders say they have the staff and skills they need to complete their priority initiatives, and 52% say skills shortages caused project delays in the past year.
The ground is shifting under teams’ feet too. 79% of marketers say the skill set needed for their role has changed completely over the past decade, so what someone learned even a few years ago may no longer be enough.
Hiring your way out isn’t straightforward either. 73% of UK firms trying to recruit report difficulties finding the people they need. Waiting for the right candidate to appear is a riskier strategy than developing the people you already have.
Why an apprenticeship beats a one-off course
A short course can teach a tool, pass on some knowledge and maybe spark a few ideas. An apprenticeship builds a marketer. Learning is spread over time and tied directly to the apprentice’s day job, so new skills are used in the workplace rather than forgotten by the following week.
Learning that gets applied. Every workshop, project and assignment connects to the learner’s role, so they contribute from day one.
Support from real people. Each learner has a dedicated coach alongside experienced marketing trainers, making sure what’s learned is understood, put into practice and makes a difference.
A broad foundation. Rather than one corner of marketing, apprentices gain practical experience across channels and learn how those channels work together to meet business objectives.
Talent that stays. 75% of our learners are promoted or take on greater responsibility after completing their qualification, and 98% say they feel more confident in their role.
Skills that match what customers and leaders expect
Marketing apprenticeships target exactly the areas where teams say they’re short of skills.
Consistency across channels. 79% of customers expect consistent interactions across an organisation’s departments. Apprentices learn how channels work together and how to build a consistent brand voice across platforms.
Decisions driven by data. 80% of business leaders say data is critical to decision-making. Learners gain the skills to gather and interpret customer data, spot market trends and analyse performance so they can show return on investment.
Practical, all-round capability. Apprentices learn to support the planning, delivery and evaluation of campaigns, manage social and digital channels, produce engaging content, and build SEO and website management knowledge to improve online visibility and organic traffic.
A smart investment, often at no direct cost
Marketing apprenticeships are fully funded for eligible employers through the apprenticeship levy or Government funding. For levy-paying organisations, a cohort of ten learners on the Level 3 Multi-channel Marketer apprenticeship represents £110,000 of fully funded development at zero direct cost, based on the £11,000 maximum funding band for the standard.
The same applies at higher levels. A cohort of ten Level 4 Marketing Executive apprentices represents £60,000 of development, based on the £6,000 maximum funding band for the standard. Run ten learners at each level and that’s £170,000 of fully funded marketing capability.
Progress a learner through successive levels and you’ve developed your own marketing manager, someone who already understands your systems, your culture and your brand.
Build the capability from within
With skills gaps widespread, recruitment difficult and the demands on marketers changing fast, waiting is the costly option. A marketing apprenticeship develops confident, commercially aware people who understand your customers, your goals and your culture, supported by expert coaching and, for eligible employers, funded through the levy*.
*Government funding is also available. Speak to us today, as free training may be available for your organisation.
Aarrange a call about your organisation’s needs
*Our articles are accurate at the time of publication, but course details, funding and industry standards can change. They’re here to inform rather than to replace formal advice, so if you’re weighing up a decision, get in touch and we’ll help you find the right path.
Marketing Executive
- Marketing professionals wanting a strategic focus
- 12 months + assessment period
Multi-Channel Marketer
- Aspiring and early-career marketing professionals
- 12 months + assessment period