Build Your Marketing Function Without the Senior Hire

Get strategic expertise and execution capacity – through government-funded training and fractional support

Most SMEs need marketing but can’t afford a £60k+ senior marketer. Our Marketing Capability Hub gives you both: a trained apprentice who handles content and campaigns, plus connection to expert fractional CMOs or agencies for strategy. You build lasting marketing capability without breaking the bank.

15-18 months, funded training + strategic support

Training is government-funded
(typically cost-neutral for SMEs)
You control your fractional CMO/agency spend separately.

Why Most SMEs Struggle with Marketing

You know you need marketing. But hiring a senior marketer is expensive – and junior marketers need direction they won’t get without a senior person.

Senior marketer (£50-70k) - too expensive, might not have enough work
Junior marketer (£25-35k) - affordable but needs strategic guidance
Agency retainer (£2-5k/month) - costly, and they need someone in your team to execute
DIY approach - inconsistent, unfocused, doesn't scale

What if you could combine them all affordably?

What you get

1. Trained Marketing Apprentice Government-funded training in content creation, campaigns, social media, SEO, email marketing, and analytics. They become your in-house execution engine.

2. Strategic Direction
We help you find a trusted fractional CMO or agency (or work with yours if you have one). They provide strategy, planning, and expert guidance.

3. Coordinated Support
We bridge the gap – making sure your apprentice’s training aligns with your strategic goals and your CMO/agency gets the execution support they need.

Why This Model Works

Cost-effective:
Apprentice training is government-funded. Fractional CMO costs £500-2k/month (not £5k). Total cost is a fraction of a senior hire.

Sustainable:
You’re building capability that stays in your business. The apprentice becomes increasingly valuable over 15-18 months.

Practical:
Strategy without execution doesn’t work. Execution without strategy wastes money. This gives you both.

Flexible:
Scale strategic support up or down based on your needs and budget.

Is This Right for Your Business?

This model works best for SMEs who:

Need consistent marketing but don't have a marketing department
Can't justify (or afford) a £50-70k senior marketing hire
Want content, social media, campaigns, and email marketing handled properly
Need strategic thinking but don't need a full-time strategist
Are growing and need scalable marketing capability
Typical sweet spot: 10-100 staff, turning over £1m-£20m, need marketing to become systematic.

It works whether you:

What the Apprentice Learns

Content Creator Level 3 or Multi-Channel Marketer Level 3 apprenticeship (we’ll recommend based on your needs).

Core skills include:

Content strategy and creation (written, visual, video)
Social media management and advertising
Email marketing and automation
SEO and website content
Campaign planning and execution
Analytics and performance measurement
Brand consistency and tone of voice

How Training Works

15-18 months | Monthly learning rhythm

Group sessions throughout the month (online)
Real projects in your business (applying skills immediately)
One-to-one coaching from industry professionals
Portfolio development using your actual marketing work
Nationally recognised qualification at the end

Training is woven into their work – they’re productive from day one, increasingly so as skills develop.

Expert Strategic Support - Without the Full-Time Cost

Your apprentice handles execution brilliantly – but they need direction. That’s where fractional CMO or agency support comes in.

You’re in control of the strategic spend – we just make sure the pieces fit together.

We help you:

Find a trusted fractional CMO or agency if you don't have one (we have vetted partners)
Work with your existing agency/consultant if you already have one
Ensure strategic direction aligns with your apprentice's developing capabilities
Make sure everyone's pulling in the same direction

What good looks like:

Fractional CMO sets quarterly strategy and campaigns (£500-2k/month depending on scope)
Apprentice executes daily/weekly marketing tasks
TCG ensures the apprentice's training supports your strategic goals
You get consistent, professional marketing at a fraction of traditional cost

What You Pay

Apprentice training: Government-funded via skills levy (typically cost-neutral for SMEs through levy transfer)

Apprentice salary: You pay their wage (typically £16-25k depending on experience and location)

Fractional CMO/Agency: You control this separately – typically £500-2,000/month depending on scope and frequency

Total monthly cost: Roughly £2,200-2,800/month all-in (apprentice wage + fractional support) for complete marketing function.

Compare that to £4,500-6,000/month for a mid-level marketer who still needs strategic direction.

Return on Investment

Most businesses see:

Your marketing becomes systematic, measurable, and sustainable – not dependent on one expensive person or an external agency alone.

The apprentice stays with you (high retention rates when people are invested in) and continues growing in capability.

Ready to Build a Marketing Function That Works?

This model combines the best of training, strategy, and execution – at a price point SMEs can actually afford.

Next steps:

1.

Book a call with our team

2.

We discuss your marketing needs and current setup

3.

We explain funding, recommend apprenticeship type, and introduce strategic partners if needed

4.

Your apprentice starts training and your marketing gets systematic

Next cohorts start January/February 2026.

Want to Become a Marketing Apprentice?

If you’re interested in starting a marketing career through this apprenticeship, you can either:

What This Builds

For Your Apprentice

Structured marketing expertise across multiple channels
Nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
Real portfolio of work for a real business
Strategic thinking skills (learning from expert CMO/agency)
Career progression in marketing
Hands-on experience that's immediately valuable

For Your Business

Consistent content and campaign execution
Strategic direction without full-time senior hire cost
Marketing that's measurable and systematic
In-house capability that grows over time
Better ROI than agency-only or DIY approaches
A qualified marketer on your team at the end

FAQs

Do I need marketing experience already?

Not necessarily. Some apprentices are building on existing experience, others are starting fresh. If your job fits the apprenticeship and you’re ready to learn, we’ll support you from wherever you’re starting.

Will I learn tools I actually use at work?

Yes. Our training adapts to your workplace. We focus on marketing principles that apply across platforms, and we’ll work with your employer to match your learning tasks to the systems and tools you use day-to-day.

What's the time commitment?

You’ll spend 6 hours a week on off-the-job learning – things like workshops, mentoring, campaign projects, and self-study. It all fits around your work schedule, and we help you manage it in a sustainable way.

What support will I get?

You’ll have access to tutors, marketing coaches, and peer groups throughout the apprenticeship. We’re here to answer questions, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate your wins. Plus, you’ll check in regularly with your line manager.

Is this like school or university?

Nope. This is workplace-first, challenge-based learning. You won’t be stuck in lectures. You’ll learn by doing, creating real campaigns, working with peers, and applying everything in context.

What happens at the end?

You’ll complete an end-point assessment including portfolio review and capstone project presentation. If you pass, you gain a nationally recognised qualification. Most apprentices continue in their role, take on more responsibility, or move up into more senior positions.

Will I get paid?

18 months, structured in three phases: Foundations (months 1-6), Intermediate Application (months 7-12), and Advanced Practice (months 13-18).

How long does the apprenticeship take?

Progress into marketing executive, digital marketing, content marketing, or social media specialist roles. Many apprentices go on to manage campaigns independently, lead marketing projects, or pursue further qualifications in marketing.

What can I do after the apprenticeship?

Build Marketing Capability That Lasts

Stop choosing between expensive senior hires, inconsistent agencies, or junior people who lack direction. This model gives you all three elements – training, strategy, and execution – at a price SMEs can afford.

First cohorts start January 2026. Talk to our team to discuss your marketing needs and see if this model fits.