Marketing apprenticeships

Become a marketing apprentice and gain the most relevant, up to date training, while applying it to real world projects and earning a salary. You'll also develop valuable experience and build industry contacts.

What marketing apprenticeships are on offer?

Catering to diverse interests and career goals, marketing apprenticeships are offered across various areas and experience levels.

Digital marketing apprenticeships

These apprenticeships focus on the use of digital channels to promote products and services.

They may cover topics such as:

• content marketing
• data analytics
• email marketing
• marketing automation
• pay-per-click (PPC) advertising
• search engine optimisation (SEO)
• social media marketing
• website design and development.

Popular programmes include:

• Amazon - a Level 3 diploma in marketing focused on content creation, brand management, and analytics.
• Cancer Research - offer a marketing executive apprenticeship where you'll work on campaign analysis and web design. The company offers apprenticeships from Level 3 to Level 7.
• Digital Marketing Alliance - the 13 month multi-channel marketer apprenticeship focuses on campaign planning, content creation, client engagement, and brand promotion. They also offer social media and legal marketing apprenticeship pathways.
• Generate Leads - a Level 6 digital marketing apprenticeship, accredited by the Institute of Data and Marketing.
• Google - provide apprenticeships worldwide, including a 15 month Level 3 digital marketing apprenticeship in the UK.
• NHS - offers digital marketing apprenticeships at all levels.
• Sky - a two year Level 3 multi-channel marketing apprenticeship with rotations including SEO and analytics.

Discover how to get into digital marketing.

Marketing executive apprenticeships

Focusing on supporting and delivering marketing plans, these apprentices work alongside marketing managers.

Apprenticeships may involve:

• developing marketing strategies, aligning them with business objectives
• conducting market research to identify target audiences, analyse trends, and gather insights to inform marketing decisions
• executing marketing campaigns across various channels (digital, social media, print, etc.) to promote products or services
• developing content such as blog posts, articles, social media posts, and email campaigns to attract and retain customers
• optimising digital marketing activities, including SEO, PPC, email marketing, and social media advertising
• analysing marketing performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.

Companies offering marketing executive apprenticeships include:

• BBC - a Level 3 multi-channel marketer apprenticeship to drive demand for BBC services and develop skills in delivering marketing initiatives.
• Jet2 - an 18 month Level 4 public relations apprenticeship and a Level 4 marketing executive apprenticeship, both based in Leeds.
• Zurich Insurance - offers a range of 15 to 21 month apprenticeships with Chartered Institute of Marketing affiliation and a permanent role upon completion.
• Publicis Groupe - a brand strategy apprenticeship where you'll earn a Level 3 as an advertising and media executive.

Explore the role of a marketing executive.

Public relations (PR) apprenticeships

Apprentices learn to develop and implement PR campaigns to promote brands and products.

Responsibilities include:

• investigating audience data and performing competitor analysis to inform strategic decisions
• writing press releases, blog posts, social media content, speeches, and other materials to promote the organisation
• building relationships with journalists, bloggers, and other media outlets to secure positive coverage
• organising press conferences, product launches, and other events to generate buzz and engagement
• developing crisis communication plans to protect the organisation's reputation during challenging times
• engaging with online communities, responding to comments and messages, and tracking social media analytics.

You can find public relations apprenticeships with the following companies:

• Amazon - a two year Level 4 public relations and communications assistant apprenticeship executing effective public relations and communications strategies to enhance the organisation's reputation and visibility.
• Jet2 - an 18 month Level 6 public relations and communications apprenticeship based in Leeds, covering crisis management, media liaison, and campaign building.
• Historic England - a Level 4 public relations and communications apprenticeship where you'll create press releases for regional, national, and broadcast media.

Explore tips for starting a career in PR.

What levels are available?

Marketing apprenticeships are offered at several levels in the UK:

• Intermediate (Level 2) - equivalent to five GCSEs, at grade 9 to 4, usually no eligibility criteria other than demonstrating the ability to complete the course.
• Advanced (Level 3) - equivalent to two A-levels, you'll need a Level 2 (or equivalent) qualification for this. However, those without formal qualifications may be eligible if they hold relevant industry experience through work placements, work shadowing or marketing internships.
• Higher (Levels 4 and 5) - equivalent to a foundation degree, you'll need a Level 3 or similar (NVQ or BTEC) to study a Level 4. For a Level 5, the company may ask for more specific grades.
• Degree (Level 6 and 7) - equivalent to a Bachelors (Level 6) or Masters degree (Level 7). There are strict qualification requirements for entry to degree apprenticeships.

What do marketing apprenticeships involve?

Marketing apprenticeships offer a comprehensive mix of practical experience and formal education, often involving rotational placements. This allows you to gain exposure to a range of marketing skills and concepts, from core marketing principles to specialised areas.

For example, on the marketing apprenticeship with Zurich Insurance, you'll rotate through various teams, including:

• broker and customer communications
• digital experience
• events.

The apprenticeship equips you with a strong foundation in marketing theory and practice, enabling you to create effective marketing content, analyse data, and implement successful campaigns. You'll also work towards a professional qualification, aligning your skills with industry standards which will set you up for a successful career in marketing.

Beyond marketing specific knowledge, apprentices gain valuable transferable skills such as:

• collaborative teamwork
• creative problem solving
• effective communication
• strategic leadership.

As a digital marketing apprentice with Generate Leads, you'll have the opportunity to earn a BSc in digital marketing while gaining hands on experience in a digital marketing agency.

Upon successful completion, you'll receive accreditation from the Institute of Data and Marketing (IDM) and become an Affiliate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), enhancing your career prospects and professional recognition.

See jobs in marketing to discover what it's like to work in the sector.

What do marketing apprentices earn?

Salaries for apprentices are set by individual employers and typically exceed the National Minimum Wage (NMW), but they are generally not advertised.

For instance, Amazon offers apprenticeships paying between £12.30 and £13 per hour (depending on location), with degree level apprenticeships earning up to £33,500 annually.

By law, apprentices under 19 in their first year will earn at least the NMW of £7.55 per hour as of April 2025. Those over 19 after their first year receive the NMW for their age. Apprentices are paid for regular working hours and training time and receive at least 20 days of paid holiday plus bank holidays.

For more information on pay rates and working hours, see what is an apprenticeship?

Where can I find marketing apprenticeships?

You can find marketing apprenticeships through several routes. Start by searching the government's official GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship service, which lists vacancies across the UK.

It's also worth checking the careers pages of companies you're interested in, as many advertise apprenticeships directly. Don't overlook small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often recruit locally.

If you're open to gaining marketing experience within a broader role, consider apprenticeships in other sectors that include marketing rotations. For example, Lloyd's of London offers a business apprenticeship with time spent in its marketing team.

You can also use industry directories such as Digital Agency Network to identify marketing agencies near you and approach them about opportunities.

How do I become a marketing apprentice?

To increase your chances of securing a marketing apprenticeship, carefully craft a compelling CV that showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications. Marketing is a competitive field and recruiters read many CVs and cover letters, so it's important to tailor your CV to each application, highlighting the most relevant aspects of your profile.

Accompany your CV with a persuasive cover letter that expresses your genuine interest in marketing, explains why you're an ideal candidate for the apprenticeship, and outlines your aspirations for the future. Consider creating a portfolio to showcase any relevant projects or work samples that demonstrate your marketing abilities.

For guidance, see our example apprenticeship cover letter, or our tips on putting together a creative portfolio.

Finally, prepare thoroughly for interviews by practicing common questions and articulating your motivation, skills, and career goals confidently. Research the company and the common questions they might ask, and prepare some questions of your own to ask the interviewer.

Some apprenticeships are advertised year round, allowing you to apply at your convenience. However, many have specific deadlines, so it's crucial to apply early to increase your chances of securing a place.

Discover how to apply for an apprenticeship.

Will I have a job at the end of my apprenticeship?

Many employers view apprenticeships as an opportunity to train and hire new talent. By gaining practical experience and relevant qualifications during your apprenticeship, you'll be well prepared to enter the marketing field.

However, it's important to actively contribute to your apprenticeship, demonstrate initiative, and build strong relationships with colleagues to maximise your chances of a full-time role.

Explore our guidance on getting a job.

Find out more

• Take a look what's on offer in the marketing, advertising and PR sector.