Marketing Apprenticeships: Everything you need to know

Have you ever thought about a career in marketing?

Starting an apprenticeship in marketing allows you to work towards a qualification recognised by the industry, setting you up for future success in your career. Whether you're starting your career in marketing or looking to upskill, apprenticeships are the perfect option for you to earn and learn at the same time.

In our latest blog, we look at marketing apprenticeships, providing you with everything you need to make the best decision.

 

What is marketing?

Marketing involves all the efforts a company undertakes to draw attention to its products or services through compelling messaging. Its primary objective is to provide valuable content to potential customers, with the aim of showcasing product benefits, encouraging brand allegiance, and ultimately boosting sales.

What areas of training does a marketing apprenticeship offer?

Marketing apprenticeships can train you in a wide range of areas, the specific focuses and content of a marketing apprenticeship can be different based on the program and the organisation offering it. We have put together the common areas that a marketing apprenticeship might train you in:

Digital Marketing

Develop skills in creating online marketing strategies which include social media marketing, SEO, content marketing and email marketing. This will allow you to understanding and use a variety of digital marketing tools and platforms.

Advertising and Promotion

The creation and implementation of advertising campaigns, being able to understanding different advertising channels such as TV, radio, print and online.

Brand Building

Develop an understanding of a brand's identity and how you can effectively maintain and enhance it. Learn strategies for brand positioning and differentiation.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Understand CRM systems and how you can use them to manage customer interactions, this will lead to you develop strategies for customer retention and loyalty.

Analytics and Metrics

Use data analysis tools to measure and analyse marketing performances. This will allow you yo make data-driven decisions and optimise marketing strategies based on insights.

Project Management

Develop skills in project management for effective marketing campaigns by coordinating tasks, timelines and resources effectively.

How do I know if marketing is for me?

Marketing isn't for everyone, it's an exciting and rewarding career if you choose that path, but you have to possess a combination of personality traits and characteristics to make it.

Even though marketing professionals come from different backgrounds, there are some personality qualities that they tend to have in common:

• Creative and self-motivated.

• Able to work well in a team environment.

• Detail orientated.

• Planner but also open to last-minute changes.

• Stay up to date on trends.

• Be a leader and a follower.

• Be optimistic.

If you feel like you have these traits, then marketing may well be the journey for you to take.

Why should I study marketing?

Gaining adaptable skills

Marketing courses can teach you how to communicate effectively, understanding the ways individuals and groups behave and how to interpret and understand data sets. These skills will assist you in changing job roles within marketing given their adaptability, you might think about transitioning from a Social Media Coordinator to a Copywriter, to a Public Relations Manager. The possibilities are endless!

Businesses employ marketing professionals across a wide range of industries, so if you work in marketing for the finance industry and want to try something new, you could look at working in marketing in the technology industry. It depends on the type of work your employer does, as a marketer, your work can vary greatly. This can give you flexibility on if you need or would like to move to a new location.

Understanding how to influence decisions

An important skill you can learn when studying marketing is how you can influence the decision-making process for an individual or groups of people through your work. This work can involve complex processes that are related to how you advertise products or how you can reach a certain demographic, it is more so based on how you can communicate information persuasively.

Types of apprenticeships

Here are some common marketing apprenticeships you can take:

Digital Marketing

A digital marketing apprenticeship offers skills that help design, build, implement and manage marketing campaigns for various online and offline platforms. A digital marketing apprenticeship can help land you roles as an SEO Specialist, Social Media Executive, Marketing Communications Executive or Digital Marketing Executive.

Public Relations

A public relations (PR) apprenticeship involves the learner developing a positive image and public relations for individuals or organisations. Apprentices in PR will assist PR officers by managing public relations through online and offline communications and attending networking events.

Levels of Marketing Apprenticeships

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

Level 2

A level 2 apprenticeship, also known as intermediate, is the equivalent of five GCSE passes. It is the lowest apprenticeship level available, with the minimum age being 16. Managers of this course want candidates to show they can complete the course and consider their attitudes before giving them opportunities.

Level 3

A level 3 apprenticeship, also known as an advanced apprenticeship, is equivalent to two A-level passes. Apprentices who have completed a level 2 apprenticeship will usually advance to a level 3. Companies that offer level 3 apprenticeships will hire individuals with five passes at GCSE or a level 2 apprenticeship. Some companies don't request formal qualifications for a level 3 apprenticeship, however, some companies may require you to have minimal experience in marketing.

Levels 4 and 5

A level 4 apprenticeship, also known as a higher apprenticeship, is equivalent to a Higher National Certificate. This is the first year of an undergraduate marketing degree and a foundation degree. The requirements are stricter than a level 3 apprenticeship. Companies may find that they want individuals who have completed a level 3 apprenticeship, NVQs or SVQs, a BTEC qualification or two A-level passes.

A level 5 apprenticeship is also known as a higher apprenticeship but it is equivalent to a full degree. The criteria for this apprenticeship are similar to a level 4 but more advanced. This means that some employers may request extra requirements from you. This could mean that an employer may want individuals who have a minimum of a C grade in A-level marketing.

Levels 6 and 7

A Level 6 and 7 apprenticeship, known as a degree apprenticeship, are available at universities. Individuals with a level 6 apprenticeship will be able to obtain a full bachelor's degree, with those at level 7 being able to receive a master's degree in a marketing-related subject. Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships can have strict requirements, with many individuals having transferable qualifications that can qualify them for this apprenticeship level.

Undertaking a marketing apprenticeship is a move that not only allows you to earn while you learn but also sets the stage for a successful career. By choosing a marketing apprenticeship, you open doors to a range of possibilities, gaining skills such as adaptability, effective communication, and the ability to influence decisions.