Marketing Apprenticeships

Can you get an apprenticeship in marketing?

Absolutely! There are marketing apprenticeships available from the age of 16, and you could start straight after your GCSEs.

You can do a marketing apprenticeship for a company in any industry, such as healthcare, education, engineering or finance. Your tasks will depend on your role. But here are some examples of responsibilities you might have during a normal working week in marketing…

• Write SEO copy, such as blog posts, to promote a product or service

• Craft social media posts, film TikTok reels and host Instagram Lives

• Create email newsletters for customers

• Brainstorm new campaign ideas to inspire and engage your audience

• Looking at data, and reporting and analysing results

As a Cancer Research marketing apprentice, you’ll work in web design and collaborate with your team to prepare charity campaigns.

If data analytics is more your thing, you could do a digital marketing apprenticeship at Amazon and learn about coding. Or how to develop SEO strategies based on consumer habits and demands.

How does a marketing apprenticeship work?

Marketing apprenticeships allow you to split your time between working for your employer and studying towards nationally recognised qualifications at a college or training provider. All while getting paid. 

That’s what makes them so great - being able to earn while you learn from the moment you leave school, whether that’s at 16 or 18 (or even in your 20’s). So by the time you finish your apprenticeship, you’ll be way ahead of the game. And can start building a life for yourself a lot sooner than if you’d gone straight to college or university.

Apprenticeship levels in Marketing

Did you know that apprenticeships come in levels? A bit like karate belts. Except you won’t be karate chopping your way through them. Then again, you might. Who knows.

And once you have completed one level, you can move onto the next one!

What types of marketing apprenticeships are there?

There are many different marketing apprenticeships out there, so you’ll definitely be able to find something that takes your fancy. 

Within this huge industry, you could get an apprenticeship in any of the following:

• Content Creation

• Marketing Assistant

• Public Relations (PR) and Communications 

• Advertising and Media 

• Market Research 

• Data Analysis

• Digital Marketing

That last one, digital marketing, is HUGE! So big we have a whole article dedicated just to digital marketing apprenticeships. So if the online world takes your fancy, definitely go give that a read.

Here’s what an apprentice had to say about their programme with British Airways:

Here is what an apprentice had to say about their time with Unilever:

‘I adore my apprenticeship at Unilever! The programme has allowed me to kickstart my career in the best way possible, and learn more about how the business world works. Everyday I am surrounded by the most inspiring people I could ever imagine!’ Level 3 Apprentice, Unilever

What GCSEs and A-levels do you need for a marketing apprenticeship?

Every level of apprenticeship has a different entry requirement. We’ve listed these below:

Level 2

Some ask for two or more GCSEs graded at 9 to 4 (A* to C). However, lots of Level 2 apprenticeships don’t require GCSEs.

Level 3

Five GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (A* to C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship.

Level 4/5 (Higher)

Two A-levels or equivalent (like a BTEC or an NVQ/SVQ).

Level 6/7 (Degree)

Three A-levels graded at A* to C or equivalent.

It’s always important to check the employer’s job requirements to see what they ask for specifically. 

How much do you get paid?

Like any job, as an apprentice, you will be paid for the hours you complete as well as any training you do as part of your programme. 

While your salary will depend on various factors like your apprenticeship level, company and location, you will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. Let’s look at your potential starting salary at each level (as averaged from our apprentice-written reviews!)

Remember, these are all averages. Some schemes will pay less, but many much more! If you’re in London or another major city, you can expect to be paid extra to help support your living expenses. 

Also, doing an apprenticeship is an amazing way to progress through your company or industry. You could start on an intermediate apprenticeship in a marketing firm, and in time climb the ladder to become the marketing director (which you can expect to have BIG earnings!).

How to apply

Don’t stress, marketing apprenticeships go live all year round! However, the best time to start looking is a year before you want to start. We find many marketing apprenticeships on Higherin launch between October and March. 

First, you will need to find the perfect apprenticeship for you. That’s where we come in. We host 100s of marketing apprenticeships every year, so make sure you keep scrolling to find them at the bottom of this section.

Make sure you’re ready for the application process. Perfect your CV and cover letter writing so you can progress to the next stage. We also have relevant interview tips to help you ace this stage of the process.