A guide to writing an apprentice job specification

Hiring a marketing apprentice can be an excellent way to infuse fresh talent into your team. However, before you get started, you need a well-crafted job specification that clearly outlines the role, responsibilities, and expectations of that apprentice. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a specification.

Fully understand your needs

Before you start writing your job specification, take some time to understand your organisation’s marketing requirements. What specific tasks and projects will your marketing apprentice be working on? Do you need help with content creation, social media management, or market research? Understanding your needs is the foundation of a successful job specification.

Define the role

Begin your job specification with a clear and concise job title that reflects the role of the marketing apprentice. For example, “Marketing Apprentice” or “Digital Marketing Assistant.” Follow this with a brief introductory paragraph that outlines the primary purpose of the role and its importance within the marketing team.

List the key responsibilities

This section should outline the core duties and responsibilities of your marketing apprentice. Consider breaking these responsibilities into bullet points for clarity. Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting in content creation and copywriting;
• Managing social media accounts and scheduling posts;
• Conducting market research and competitive analysis;
• Assisting in the development and execution of marketing campaigns;
• Collaborating with the marketing team on various projects;
• Tracking and reporting on key marketing metrics.

Make sure they’re concise and not overly detailed, this tends to put people off.

Specify any required skills and qualifications

Identify the skills and qualifications you expect from your marketing apprentice. The role is designed for entry-level candidates so don’t go over the top, consider the following:

• A basic understanding of marketing principles;
• Strong communication and writing skills;
• Familiarity with social media platforms and marketing tools;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace;
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team;
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Highlight the opportunities for learning

One of the key aspects of hiring an apprentice is the opportunity for them to learn and grow within your organisation. Mention any mentorship and training prospects that the apprentice can expect to receive. This can include:

• Working closely with an experienced marketing professional;
• Opportunities for on-the-job training;
• Access to marketing courses or workshops;
• A clear path for career progression within the organisation.

Set clear and reasonable expectations

Clearly state the expectations for the marketing apprentice in terms of performance, behaviour, and work ethic. Make it known that the apprentice is expected to contribute to the team and maintain professionalism.

Send it to your training provider

Once you’ve written the specification, send it to your training provider. They will use it to advertise your role and start interviewing potential candidates. If you struggle at all with any of these steps, talk to them and they should be able to provide guidance and tips, or even examples.

To summarise

Writing your first job spec is difficult enough, writing one for an apprentice can seem even more daunting. But, following these steps will help you create a clear and attractive document that draws in prospective candidates and sets the foundation for a successful apprenticeship programme in your marketing department. Remember that this is an opportunity to not only find a valuable team member but also to invest in the future of your organisation. If you found this article useful and want to look into the next steps, check out our article on how apprenticeship funding works.