From classroom to client work: how our new partnership with Hatched Agency will shape the next generation of marketers
What does it actually take to start a career in marketing?
It’s more than knowing how to post on Instagram or coming up with a catchy slogan. Modern marketing brings together creativity, technology, data, writing, design, and a good understanding of what makes people tick.
And it’s changing all the time.
For someone thinking about starting a career in marketing, that can be exciting. But it can also feel like a lot to get your head around.
That’s why we’re really exciting to be working with Hatched Agency as part of our new Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer apprenticeship.
Bringing the real world into the learning
At SS&L, we know that some of the best learning happens when you can see how something works in the real world.
Our apprentices will spend their time developing their marketing knowledge and skills alongside an employer. Working with Hatched gives them another opportunity to hear directly from people who are already doing it.
The Hatched team will join the programme for guest speaking, practical workshops and specialist sessions, sharing their experience of working across creative, digital and marketing projects.
That could mean hearing how an agency approaches a new client brief, finding out what happens behind the scenes of a campaign or getting advice from someone who has built their own career in the industry.
It’s a chance to ask questions, hear different perspectives and get a feel for what working in marketing is really like.
Because marketing isn’t just about social media
If you’re thinking about a career in marketing, you might already have an idea of what you’d like to do.
Maybe you love creating content. Perhaps you’re interested in social media. You might enjoy writing, design or photography. Or maybe you’re the person who is always wondering why a particular advert works so well.
The great thing about marketing is that there’s room for all of those interests.
During the apprenticeship, learners will explore areas including campaign planning, content creation, branding, digital marketing, customer research, websites, analytics, and marketing technology.
And hearing from people working in the industry will help bring those different areas to life.
Getting to grips with AI
We also know that anyone starting a marketing career now needs to understand AI.
It’s already changing the way marketers work, from helping with research and ideas to creating and analysing content.
But AI isn’t a magic button that makes good marketing happen.
Knowing when to use it, how to use it and when not to use it is just as important.
That’s why AI and emerging technologies will be part of the apprenticeship. Learners will have the opportunity to explore how these tools are being used in marketing and think about the creative, practical and ethical questions that come with them.
With Hatched also exploring emerging technology through its own work, including Hatched Labs, apprentices will have the chance to hear about some of the changes happening in the industry right now.
Building confidence, not just skills
Of course, a qualification matters. But starting your first job can be daunting, particularly when you’re fresh out of school.
We want our apprentices to finish the programme with more than a certificate.
We want them to feel confident walking into a meeting and contributing an idea.
Confident speaking to colleagues and clients.
Confident using new technology.
Confident looking at a campaign and asking, “Why did they do it that way?”
And, most importantly, confident that they have something to offer.
That’s one of the real benefits of bringing industry voices into the learning experience.
Investing in the next generation of marketers
For us, this partnership is also about creating stronger links between young people and the creative and digital industries here in Somerset.
Businesses need talented people who understand how to communicate with their customers, make the most of digital channels and keep up with a rapidly changing industry.
And young people need opportunities to see where those skills could take them.
By bringing SS&L’s experience in learning together with Hatched’s experience of the creative and digital world, we can help bridge that gap.
For an apprentice, that could be the start of a really exciting career.
Could marketing be for you?
Our Level 3 Multi-channel Marketer apprenticeship is designed for people who are curious, creative and ready to learn.
If you’re thinking about a career in marketing, social media, content, digital or communications, an apprenticeship could give you the chance to earn while you learn, gain real workplace experience and develop skills that employers are looking for.
And with opportunities to hear from the team at Hatched along the way, you’ll get to see what those skills look like outside the classroom too.
Find out more about the Level 3 Multi-channel Marketer apprenticeship or get in touch with SS&L to talk about your next steps.
Interested in employing a marketing apprentice?
An apprentice can bring fresh ideas, new digital skills and a different perspective to your marketing activity, while giving you the opportunity to develop your own future marketing talent. If you’re an employer interested in recruiting a Multi-channel Marketer apprentice, talk to SS&L to find out how we can support you.
