Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeships Available from September

In September 2020, the University of Gloucestershire will be launching new Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeships. These new programmes will help businesses gain access to online skills that will be essential to success in a post-COVID world.

While the world has been moving increasingly online for years, many commentators see the COVID-19 crisis as a watershed moment for the digitisation of world economies. Whether it be the demise of cash or the rise of AI supported services, it is almost certain that some of the changes brought about by COVID-19 are here to stay.

Retail is a sector that has seen both the pros and cons of digitisation over recent months, as shop closures have accelerated an already fast-moving shift from in-store to online purchasing.

According to the ONS, in April 2020, the proportion spent online soared to the highest level on record at 30.7%; in April 2019 it was just 19.1%.  As such, it seems that many of even the most reluctant of online shoppers have finally made the switch. While the long-term impact of this remains to be seen, at least in the short-term those retailers with a strong online presence have found themselves better placed to weather the current storm.

But it’s not just the retail sector that has found itself far more reliant on digital technology in order to operate – almost without exception, organisations are finding themselves in a position of having to reengineer how they do business to maximise opportunities available in the digital world.

This is particularly true when it comes to marketing, as evidenced by the fact that many businesses that traditionally have very deep pockets when it comes to outdoor and point of sale advertising are instead opting for online channels - and for obvious reasons.

The University of Gloucestershire’s Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeships is therefore becoming available at a very opportune time - it will equip learners with the latest skills and expert knowledge, so they can help organisations navigate this fast-changing online world and reap the benefits. What’s more, apprentices will be putting these skills into practise in their workplace from day one.

Programme Leader, Matt Barr, explains: “I don’t think it is possible for any organisation to say that they have all the digital marketing skills they need, simply because technology is developing so quickly. As such, unless a business makes a concerted effort to keep developing their staff and stay abreast of the latest trends, they can quickly get left behind. This was the case before the COVID-19 but it is truer than ever now.

Our Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeships are a great and almost instant way for organisations to boost their digital capabilities. As well as giving learners a solid grounding in the theory that underpins good marketing practice, we also equip them with knowledge of the latest trends and in key areas such as social media, e-commerce and customer relationship management. This means that, whatever your business, you are able to maximise the opportunities available.”

The Digital Marketer Degree Apprenticeship takes approximately 3 years to complete, with learners achieving a BA (hons) from the University of Gloucestershire upon successful completion. Organisations can use these programmes to provide high-level skills and qualifications to new career entrants, or to upskill their existing staff. Larger organisations can fund these apprenticeships through their apprenticeship levy, while smaller employers are entitled to government funding.

Specific entry requirements are agreed with employers but learners should have level 2 qualifications in maths and English (GCSE at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent). Apprentices must also be in full-time employment (e.g. employed for at least 30 hours per week) in a relevant job role.

To find out more about these apprenticeship programmes, visit glos.ac.uk/apprenticeships