Apprenticeships have become one of the most effective routes for businesses to develop talent, upskill existing employees, and bring new people into the organisation with a structured, professionally recognised qualification built in. For individuals, they offer a way to earn while learning — developing practical skills in a real working environment while working towards a qualification at no personal cost.
This guide answers the most common questions businesses and individuals have about Professional Academy's sales, marketing, and business administration apprenticeships.
How Long Does an Apprenticeship Take?
Each apprenticeship has different requirements regarding completion. Professional Academy's sales and marketing apprenticeships typically last between 12 and 18 months depending on the level and programme. The Level 6 Marketing Manager apprenticeship, as a degree-level programme, runs for approximately 24 months. All apprenticeships include an end-point assessment period following the main training phase.
How Are Apprenticeships Delivered?
Professional Academy's apprenticeships are delivered via blended learning, which combines study materials, group and individual training sessions, and virtual workshops. Apprentices have regular contact with dedicated tutors throughout their programme to ensure they are supported and on track. The blended delivery model means that learning can fit around the demands of the workplace, making it suitable for both new hires and employees already in post.
Who Are Apprenticeships For?
Apprenticeships are open to people of any age and any level of experience. They are available to new hires joining an organisation as well as existing employees who are being developed into a new role or taking on additional responsibilities. There is no requirement for a formal qualification in the relevant profession before starting — the apprenticeship itself provides that structured development pathway.
Apprenticeships are particularly well suited to:
- School leavers and graduates entering the workforce for the first time
- Career changers moving into marketing, sales, or business administration
- Existing employees being promoted or taking on new responsibilities
- Businesses investing in the long-term development of their teams
What Programmes Does Professional Academy Offer?
Professional Academy offers apprenticeship programmes across marketing, sales, and business administration at multiple levels:
- Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship — typically 13 months
- Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship — typically 18 months
- Level 6 Marketing Manager Apprenticeship — typically 24 months
- Sales Apprenticeships — available at Level 3 and Level 4
- Business Administration Apprenticeship — Level 3
Why Choose Professional Academy?
Professional Academy has over 27 years of experience in professional training and development and holds an Ofsted 'Good' rating for its apprenticeship provision. The team of tutors and trainers are experts in their respective fields, and the focus throughout every programme is on delivering genuine benefit to both the apprentice and the employer.
UK government research into apprenticeships consistently highlights their impact on businesses. Among employers that have taken on apprentices, the majority report improvements in productivity, product and service quality, and employee retention. A strong proportion would recommend apprenticeships to other businesses.
How Much Does an Apprenticeship Cost?
Apprenticeship funding is provided by the government through a system of funding bands, currently ranging from £3,000 to £27,000 per apprentice depending on the programme level. The amount an employer contributes depends on whether they pay the Apprenticeship Levy:
- Levy-paying employers can access 100% of the funding through their levy account, or have the government top up the difference if their levy balance is insufficient.
- Non-levy-paying employers can access up to 95% government funding, contributing just 5% of the programme cost themselves.
- Small employers with fewer than 50 employees who take on a 16 to 18 year old apprentice may be eligible for 100% government funding with no employer contribution required.
For the most up-to-date information on apprenticeship funding, visit the government's apprenticeship funding guidance.
How Professional Academy Supports Your Journey
Whether you are an employer looking to develop your team or an individual considering an apprenticeship as a route into or through a marketing, sales, or business administration career, Professional Academy's team is available to discuss the options and help identify the right programme.
To find out more about the full range of apprenticeship programmes, visit the marketing apprenticeships, sales apprenticeships, or business administration apprenticeship pages, or book a call with the team to discuss your requirements.
