Okay, let’s cut the BS — if you’re Googling “should I do a marketing apprenticeship,” you’re probably stuck in one of these situations:
- Your degree hasn’t turned into a job (but the debt? Oh, that’s thriving).
- You’ve finished college and the idea of £30k of debt from uni doesn’t really appeal to you.
- You’re working in a job you hate, but the “What next?” question is still unanswered.
- You know you’re creative, switched-on, and social media-savvy — but no one will hire you without experience.
So here’s the good news: a marketing apprenticeship might actually be your smartest move you make. And this isn’t going to be the government brochure version. This is the no BS, from the horse’s mouth breakdown.
👎 First, let’s get the cons out of the way:
You won’t be rich (yet).
Yes, apprenticeships pay less, especially compared to your mates who landed grad schemes or corporate gigs. But if you’re currently making minimum wage or nothing at all, it’s still a step up, and you’re getting proper training. Short-term investment for longer-term gains is the best way to look at it.
It’s hard work.
You’re not just sitting in a classroom. You’ll be working, learning, producing actual content, managing real campaigns, and sometimes, making mistakes in public. Welcome to marketing.
You may think they’re beneath you.
All the best to you in getting your foot in the door with little to no experience. I wish you all the luck in the world. But let’s be realistic here. With most employers expecting a degree in marketing and 1 to 2 years of experience for an entry-level role, you’re going to be fighting an uphill battle from the get-go.
👍 Now, let’s talk about the pros (the good stuff):
You actually learn how to do marketing — not just read about it.
You’ll be hands-on, managing socials, helping with campaigns, reporting on performance, and learning what works (and what flops). No endless theory. No “group project with freeloaders” vibes.
You’ll get a proper qualification — without paying a penny.
Typically, you’ll get a level 3 – 6 apprenticeship qualification once you complete it. However, with some training providers like ourselves, we chuck in a CIM Foundation Certificate in Marketing (worth around £1,000) for free. It’s employer-recognised, sharpens your CV, and gives you bragging rights in interviews. You’re welcome.
Real experience = real jobs.
Employers don’t actually want buzzwords and degrees — they want results. After a year or so in a marketing apprenticeship, you’ll have portfolio pieces, campaign results, and platform experience that makes you genuinely employable.
It’s a stepping stone, not a life sentence.
You won’t be on apprentice pay forever. Most of our apprentices land permanent marketing roles or higher apprenticeships (aka more money) within 12–18 months. This is a launchpad — not the finish line.
You actually enjoy the work.
If you’re creative, curious, or slightly obsessed with social media, TikTok trends, or how brands market themselves — you’re going to like this job.
🎯 So… Who’s a marketing apprenticeship really for?
- You’ve got talent, but not the credentials.
- You’re stuck in retail or hospitality, and want out.
- Your degree hasn’t paid off (unless you count interest payments).
- You want to work in marketing without spending more money you don’t have.
💬 Final thoughts
A marketing apprenticeship is a short-term trade-off: slightly less money now, in exchange for actual skills, real experience, and a career you can grow into. It’s for people who are done waiting and ready to get stuck in.
If that’s you, we should probably talk.
