Digital marketer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this rolespecialist courses run by private training organisations
University
You could do a higher national diploma or degree in marketing, management, business studies or public relations. You could also study a related subject, which would help you get some of the skills that are important for a career in marketing. Subjects include:
- media
- humanities
- English literature
- English literature and language
You'll usually need between 1 and 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree.
College
You could complete a college qualification to help you get your first job. Qualifications include:
- Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Marketing
- Level 3 Diploma in Digital Marketing
- T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. For a T Level you need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.
Apprenticeship
You could do a junior advertising creative Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship or a digital marketer Level 3 (advanced) or Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or Level 6 (degree) apprenticeship.
Work
You could work as a marketing assistant or executive, and then move into a digital marketing role once you've got experience.
Volunteering
You could get good, basic experience and marketing skills by volunteering for a charity and helping with their social media and events communications.
Other Routes
You can find short courses on digital copywriting, marketing and mobile marketing through the Institute of Data and Marketing.
You can study for specialist digital marketing qualifications through The Chartered Institute of Marketing. They offer qualifications from introductory to professional level.
You can also get a communications qualification from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
These qualifications are not essential but they may give you an advantage when applying for jobs. You can also complete qualifications like these while working to help you get ahead in your career.
Digital marketer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- analytical thinking skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- excellent written communication skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- business management skills
- customer service skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Digital marketer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a digital marketer, you'll look after different digital products. In your day-to-day tasks you may:
- work with clients and other marketing professionals
- liaise with external agencies and suppliers
- create and update digital content and campaigns
- produce regular analytics and reports on digital activities
- manage social platforms and e-communications
- promote digital services within the organisation
- keep up to date with digital trends
- undertake competitor and market research
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Career path and progression - Digital marketer apprenticeships
With experience, you could specialise in a particular type of digital marketing, like mobile or video marketing.
You could become a senior digital marketing officer or head of online marketing. You could also work as a freelance digital marketing consultant, or move into related areas like advertising, sales, e-commerce or public relations.