Invest in Talent: Why a Marketing Apprentice Makes Good Business Sense

Think marketing is a ‘nice-to-have’? Think again. In a digital-first economy, marketing is no longer optional – it’s the engine of brand visibility, customer engagement, and business growth. But hiring experienced marketers can be expensive, and junior recruits often need extensive support. That’s where a marketing apprentice can be a game-changer for any business.

Hiring a marketing apprentice isn’t just about filling a vacancy. It’s a long-term investment in the future of your business. You gain someone who grows with your team, understands your brand from the inside out, and contributes real value from day one, with the added benefit of structured training and mentorship built in.

“Hiring an apprentice allowed us to mould them to our culture and allow them to grow with the business.” – Dan Orton, Aspire CRM

Why Choose a Marketing Apprentice?

Marketing apprentices bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and a strong appetite to learn. They receive expert-led training in areas like content creation, campaign planning, analytics, and social media – and they apply those skills directly into your business as they learn. That means they’re developing professionally while helping you achieve your goals.

Unlike a traditional junior hire, apprentices benefit from a blended approach: practical on-the-job experience, supported by a structured curriculum and real-world mentorship. This means they’re more confident, capable, and consistent, and often commit to developing with your business for years to come.

What Are the Benefits?

There are significant cost and retention benefits for employers when recruiting an apprentice:

• Government-Funded Training – In many cases, 100% of training is funded by the government, with some businesses contributing just 5% of the training cost. Levy-paying employers already have funds set aside.
  More on Levy funding →
• No Employer National Insurance – Employers don’t pay NICs for apprentices under 25, helping reduce employment costs.
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• Free CIM Membership – Marketing apprentices gain access to Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) resources, boosting their learning and impact.
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• Stronger Retention – Apprenticeships offer clear development pathways, making employees more likely to stay long term.
  Explore retention stats →

And beyond the numbers – apprentices often have a natural ability to energise your team. They bring fresh ideas to your marketing strategy, reduce pressure on your existing staff, and often lead innovation in digital tools and social platforms.

It’s Not Just for New Recruits

Apprenticeships aren’t only for school leavers or brand-new hires. They’re also an ideal route for upskilling existing staff – whether you’re preparing someone for a promotion, changing roles internally, or simply developing your team.

“Recruiting for apprentices is my favourite type of recruitment. There are no expectations of knowledge or experience, so we focus on recruiting individuals who share our values, are self-starters and eager to learn.” – Anna Hutton, MacMartin

When you plan ahead and build from within, you embed your company culture at every level, creating a skilled and loyal team of employers.

Let’s Plan Your Next Hire

If marketing is part of your growth plan over the next 6, 12, or 18 months, let’s talk. Whether you’re recruiting or upskilling, a marketing apprentice could be one of your smartest, most cost-effective hires yet.

→ Contact the EMA Training team today to start the conversation.