Should I do a marketing apprenticeship or go to university?

Both routes work - it depends on how you learn and what you want day-to-day. An apprenticeship means you earn while you learn, gain a nationally recognised qualification (Level 3 to Level 7) and finish with real work experience and no student debt. University gives you three years of study, a broader social experience and a degree. If you already know you want to work in marketing and prefer learning on the job, an apprenticeship gets you a two to three year head start.

How do I find and apply for a marketing apprenticeship in the UK?

Create a free account on apprenticeships.gov.uk, filter for 'Multi-channel marketer (Level 3)' or 'Marketing assistant' and apply to 5–10 employers. Tailor your CV to each role, lead with portfolio work (social posts, content, any volunteer marketing) and follow every employer on their own channels before you apply.

What qualifications do I need to start a marketing apprenticeship?

For a Level 3 Multi-channel Marketer apprenticeship, most employers want GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above. Beyond that, hiring managers care more about curiosity, communication and a small portfolio than perfect grades - a Canva portfolio, a LinkedIn presence and any content you've made for a school, club or charity will move you ahead of applicants with no evidence of work.

How much do marketing apprentices get paid in the UK?

The UK apprentice minimum wage is set by government and reviewed each April - employers can and often do pay above it. Realistic starting salaries for Level 3 marketing apprentices sit in the £14k–£22k range, rising as you progress to Level 4 and 6 or move employers.

How do I get free mentoring from Jack Frampton?

Send me a message using the contact button on this page. Mentoring is free for students, apprentices, career-changers and careers leads - I usually reply the same day.

Can Jack speak at my school, sixth form or college?

Yes - I deliver free assemblies, careers-fair talks and Q&A sessions on marketing apprenticeships across the UK. I am a Taunton keynote speaker on apprenticeships and marketing - careers leads can book a talk by sending me a message.

Jack Frampton

✦ Mentoring & advice

Thinking about an apprenticeship? Let's talk.

I'm Jack - Marketer @ Queen's College, Taunton | Apprenticeship Advocate, and a Taunton keynote speaker on apprenticeships and marketing. I give honest, no-fluff advice to school leavers, parents, teachers and employers exploring the apprenticeship route across every sector, level and region of the UK. Everything runs through one inbox: send me a message and I'll reply personally.

LinkedIn About Jack →

Ask me anything ✦

Jack Frampton shooting photography on assignment as Apprentice Advocate working at Queen's College, Taunton Taunton

✦ What I can help with

Honest answers, not recruitment fluff.

Choosing apprenticeship vs uni

Honest pros and cons from someone who picked the apprenticeship route - earnings, lifestyle, qualification weight and long-term career.

Applications & interviews

CV layout, portfolio building, employer research and what hiring managers actually look for in a 16–19 year old marketing applicant.

First 90 days on the job

Setting expectations, asking the right questions, managing senior stakeholders and shipping work you're proud of.

Skills, tools & certifications

Free CPD courses, Adobe vs Canva, AI workflows for SEO and content - what to learn first to stand out.

✉ One inbox for everything

Send me a message

No forms, no sign-ups. Whether it's help finding vacancies, free mentoring, or booking a keynote on apprenticeships and marketing, send me a message and I'll reply personally.

Finding and getting vacancies

Where the real apprenticeship vacancies are, how to spot the good employers and how to apply so you actually get a reply.

Free 1:1 mentoring

CVs, portfolios, interviews, first 90 days on the job and progression from Level 3 to Level 6. Free for students, parents, career-changers and careers leads.

Keynote speaking

I'm a Taunton keynote speaker on apprenticeships and marketing - assemblies, careers fairs, panels, employer events and CPD sessions.

Employers & schools

Building an apprenticeship programme, hiring your first apprentice, or bringing your students to the Taunton Apprenticeship Evening.

Connect on LinkedIn

✦ Read first

Connect on LinkedIn →Subscribe to my newsletter

Not sure yet? Get free 1:1 help.