Is apprenticeship training relevant for professional services?

It’s a fair question, since “apprenticeships” doesn’t normally conjure an image of professional services or marketing and BD.

       Modern apprenticeships cover a wide range of careers. The syllabus - called a Standard in the jargon - is laid down by the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education and each was created in discussion with employers so the required learning is relevant to the sector. The Standard includes knowledge and skills as you would expect, but it also features soft skills and the behaviours required by employers.

       To ensure learning is specific to the requirements of professional services, the Cambridge Marketing College partnered with PSMG to adapt each Standard to have content specifically created for this sector. A PSMG director ensures the programme matches the needs of professional services firms and each apprentice has an experienced practitioner tutor.

       The result is bespoke content with tasks and learning specifically designed to meet the needs of professional services marketing and BD professionals.


Hasn’t the chancellor announced an apprentice incentive for employers?


Yes, in his summer statement, the Chancellor announced apprenticeships start between August 2020 and January 2021. Companies will receive a payment of £2,000 for each apprentice under the age of 25 and, for those over 25, they’ll be eligible for £1,500.


Are apprenticeships just for new starters or young people?

Emphatically not. The levels of apprenticeships allow people at different stages of their career to study. Our oldest apprentice is in their 50s, but the oldest I’ve heard of is a youthful 65. 

       Most professional services firms we are working with are looking at employees with experience who are moving into marketing and BD.

       At the time of writing, it appears that the Chancellor’s apprenticeship incentive bonus will not apply to people already employed by the company who become an apprentice.


Have any professional services organisations taken up this training?

       Yes, we have been delighted to welcome apprentices from Clifford Chance, Trowers & Hamlins, Twenty Essex, Akin Gump and the Smith Partnership amongst others.


       If you are interested in finding out more, please contact either Gail Jaffa at gail.jaffa@psmg.co.uk or Charlotte Lestienne at Charlotte@marketingcollege.com quoting “PSMG”.


This is an excerpt from the full article published in the PSMG magazine.