Why I Won’t Sell You a Marketing Apprentice (and That’s a Good Thing)

 Me: ‘ I don’t think this is right for you’

Employer: ‘ What do you mean? Aren’t you a salesperson?’

Me: ‘ No. My job is to match apprentices to companies but I don’t think you’re the right fit’

Let’s get one thing clear right off the bat: I love marketing apprenticeships. I believe in their power to bring fresh energy, digital savvy, and a genuine hunger to learn into a business. A great apprentice can be the spark that lights up your marketing team.

But here’s the twist: sometimes I will tell you no!

No hard sell. No begging you to take one just to hit a target. No sending you a CV and hoping for the best. Why? Because as much as I’d love to place an apprentice with every business I speak to, I know that sometimes it’s not the right fit. We want apprentices to thrive and we want business to get all the benefits from an apprentice, so it must be right!

Apprenticeships Are a Two-Way Street

Think of it like matchmaking. If one side isn’t quite ready, it’s just awkward, isn’t it?

Some businesses are primed for an apprentice: they’ve got the right structure, someone willing to mentor and guide, and meaningful work that helps the apprentice grow. They’re invested in nurturing new talent (not just in getting a few posts out on Instagram and having them make cups of tea).

But other businesses? They might be too early in their journey, too chaotic, or simply lacking the support structure needed to help an apprentice thrive. And if that’s the case, I’d rather be honest with you than shoehorn in someone who won’t succeed.

Here’s When I’ll Politely Say “Not Yet”

• You’re looking for a marketing superhero.
  If you expect an apprentice to come in and “sort all your marketing out,” we may have a problem. They’re here to learn, contribute, and grow. Not take over your entire comms strategy on day one. If your marketing is currently held together by duct tape and wishful thinking, we might need to tidy things up first.
• You don’t have anyone to guide them.
  Apprentices need mentorship. Someone to check in, provide feedback, explain what SEO actually stands for, and celebrate their small wins. If there’s no one on your team who has the time or expertise to do that, then it might not be the right moment. We don’t want you to lock them in a room and ask them to be the new marketing director.
• You just want cheap labour.
  Look, I get it. Budgets are tight, and apprenticeships are an affordable way to grow a team. But if your only motivation is “getting someone in for peanuts,” it’s a red flag.
• You’re not really sure what they’ll do.
  “We need someone to… do marketing?” is a bit too vague. If you can’t outline some clear tasks, goals, or learning opportunities, we may need to have a deeper conversation before jumping in.

I’d Rather Help You Get Ready

Saying no doesn’t mean goodbye forever. Often, it’s more of a not right now. I’ll always give honest feedback, practical advice, and (if you want it) help building a marketing plan or support structure that would make your business a great place for an apprentice.

Sometimes, that’s the most helpful thing I can do.

When the Fit Is Right… Magic Happens

When everything lines up it’s brilliant. The apprentice learns fast, contributes real value, and often becomes a long-term asset to the team. You grow your marketing function, and they kickstart an exciting career. Win-win.

So yes, I’m in the business of selling marketing apprenticeships. But only when it makes sense.

Because pushing the wrong match helps no one. But finding the right one? That’s when the real magic begins.

Want to know if your business is ready for a marketing apprentice? Let’s have a no-pressure chat. Worst case, you walk away with a few tips. Best case? You find the next rising star for your team.