BUSINESS leaders in the North East are being encouraged to address the emerging marketing skills gap by investing in apprenticeships, as National Apprenticeship Week starts today.

The call from Kirsty Ramsey, regional chair of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) North East, coincides with new research that digital marketing skills have stagnated or declined during the pandemic.

The research published by the training body Target Internet, in association with the CIM, reveals the decline has occurred across almost all sectors, and at all job levels, with skills in Analytics & Data falling the most (-6%), followed by Content Marketing (-4%) and Social Media (-2%).

Read more: University shines a light on wide range of apprenticeships

Kirsty says: “Recruiting an apprentice is a great way of keeping your organisation’s digital skills up to date and give young people an opportunity to start their marketing career. Whilst part of an apprentices salary is covered by the UK government in the shape of the ‘Build the Future’ theme, it’s a great time to consider what young people can bring to the table.

“National Apprenticeship Week is an ideal time for businesses to consider how they can create a great team, with future-ready skills.

Maggie Jones, director of qualifications and partnerships at CIM said: “We have long believed in the importance of professional training for marketers. Apprenticeships create a clear and credible non-academic route to joining the marketing profession.

"Investment in them will help improve access to our industry and, in turn, nurture diverse talent within it. Marketing is an exciting and rewarding career and it is fantastic news that we’re able to open it up to more people thanks to this funding.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is the 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships. The week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

 

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