Your gateway into the marketing world: Is a digital marketing apprenticeship worth it?
Luca Avvinti - 8 November 2023
Marketing apprenticeships are rapidly becoming a popular choice for skill building and professional growth, offering practical learning pathways that extend beyond traditional trades. But is a digital marketing apprenticeship worth it? In this blog we’re going to explore the pros and cons of pursuing an apprenticeship, hopefully helping you in deciding your route into a fulfilling career.
What is a digital marketing apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a pathway where on-the-job training is provided alongside theoretical education as a way to bring up a new generation of professionals. An apprenticeship involves working on live case studies as well as shadowing existing people within a company.
A marketing apprenticeship is typically backed by the CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) who provide a syllabus for a training provider to fulfil for the apprentice, meaning that the apprentice gains a professional qualification from a trusted body.
Digital marketing is emerging as a prominent and rapidly growing field. Embarking on a digital marketing apprenticeship opens up a gateway to a dynamic world where each day offers new challenges and opportunities that mould individuals into future-ready professionals.
Is a digital marketing apprenticeship worth it and right for me?
For those just leaving school or considering a career shift, digital marketing offers a unique and wide range of options for individuals at any level of expertise, making it a popular choice for many.
Is it worth it? That’s the question on everyone’s mind. One reason why you might consider a digital marketing apprenticeship is the opportunity it offers to obtain real world, practical experience. Digital marketing is an ever evolving industry, and by learning within such an environment you’d be sure to be at the forefront of any major changes in the industry such as the rapid evolution of AI in marketing.
Apprenticeships also allow you to gain valuable connections within the industry. As an apprentice, you’ll work with professionals allowing you to gain insights and establish your credibility in the digital marketing industry.
On-the-job training vs academic learning
It must be considered that an apprenticeship doesn’t hold the academic value of a degree and many people may ask: “Does that mean employers won’t value me as much as a university graduate?”
However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. You shouldn’t be put off by the fact that you don’t obtain a degree through following the apprenticeship route; employers now more than ever value practical skills and experience. This is especially true in a technical field like search engine optimisation (SEO) where on-the-job training tends to be a common theme even after completing a degree. Not to mention the fact that apprenticeships don’t come with the additional burden of student debts, which is one of the most significant drawbacks of taking the university route.
Really, it comes down to what you’re looking for in the early stages of your career, what you value and what channel you’d like to pursue it in.
“For me, a marketing apprenticeship definitely seemed worthwhile”
Here at Wagada Digital we’ve recently taken on our very own apprentice, Luca, who will be undertaking a Level 4 marketing apprenticeship accredited by the CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing). We’re passionate about sharing our wealth of expertise and knowledge whilst nurturing and developing the next generation of digital marketers.
“An apprenticeship felt like the right choice for me. I knew that I’d be able to gain similar theoretical knowledge that I would in university, as well as save time and money learning up to date career relevant skills, whilst putting them to work on live projects.”
Luca Avvinti, Marketing apprentice at Wagada Digital
Connect with Luca on LinkedIn if you have any questions on his apprenticeship experience. He’d be happy to help anyone considering taking one!
So, is a digital marketing apprenticeship worth it? Well, if you’re looking for a next step that allows you to earn whilst you learn from very experienced professionals, putting you in a significantly advantageous position in terms of ability to take on more responsibility at a younger age, then we’d say yes.
Find out more about digital marketing apprenticeships at Wagada Digital
If you’re interested in a digital marketing apprenticeship and still trying to work out if it’s worth it for you, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. You can also visit our careers page to find out more about what it’s like to work for us.
