Improved staff retention
Approximately 69 % of employers report enhanced employee retention through apprenticeships.
Equip your team (or accelerate your own career) with the Marketing Executive Level 4 Apprenticeship integrated with CIM Level 4 in Professional & Digital Marketing—a practical programme that blends marketing knowledge, campaign delivery skills, and professional behaviours required of a modern marketing executive. Backed by the Department for Education funding framework* and delivered by Kent Business College, the programme helps you plan smarter campaigns, execute with confidence, and evidence measurable impact—while earning respected CIM credits.
Equip your team (or accelerate your own career) with the Marketing Executive Level 4 Apprenticeship, integrated with CIM Level 4 in Professional & Digital Marketing. This practical programme blends marketing knowledge, campaign delivery skills, and professional behaviours required of a modern marketing executive. Delivered by Kent Business College and backed by the Department for Education funding framework*, this apprenticeship enables you to plan smarter campaigns, execute with confidence, and showcase measurable impact—all while earning CIM credits.
Apply learning to live campaigns from day one.
Live online teaching, one‑to‑one coaching, and on‑the‑job projects.
Apprenticeship plus CIM Level 4 module exams and credits.
Levy or SME co‑funding reduces training cost for employers.
Build towards marketing management and specialist digital roles.
Programme Duration: 12 Months + 3 Months End-Point Assessment (EPA) Preparation Period.
Programme Core Modules:
1. Marketing Impact & Planning (5 Months)
2.Social Media Marketing Executive (4 Months)
3.Marketing Technology Executive (3 Months)
Programme Format: The programme is fully online, with optional face-to-face workshops at the end of each module. These workshops are held in one of the following major service areas London, Kent, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham, York, or Manchester.
Master the fundamentals of strategic marketing planning and measuring marketing effectiveness.
Ideal for: junior marketers, content executives, assistants moving into execution roles.
Develop expertise in creating and managing effective social media campaigns across platforms.
Ideal for: social media executives, community managers, content creators.
Learn to leverage cutting-edge AI tools and marketing technologies to drive campaign performance.
Ideal for: digital marketers keen to leverage data, automation and agile methods.
This module combines two key units of the CIM Level 4 Certificate – Marketing Impact and Marketing Planning – into a single integrated learning experience. Delivered over 20 weeks with 40 hours of structured teaching and guided study, the module introduces apprentices to the purpose, role, and impact of marketing within organisations and society, while also equipping them with the tools and frameworks to design effective marketing plans. Learners will explore how marketing contributes to value creation for both customers and businesses, how it supports strategic decision-making, and how it adapts to changes in the internal and external environment. They will also develop a practical understanding of how to conduct a marketing audit, analyse customer behaviour, and apply planning models to build robust and effective marketing strategies.
No Exam – only coursework
This module combines the CIM Level 4 Award in Social Media Marketing with a practical grounding in project management for marketing campaigns. Over 16 weeks and 32 guided hours, apprentices will explore the strategies and techniques required to plan, execute, and evaluate social media marketing campaigns, while also learning the essential project management skills needed to deliver campaigns on time, within budget, and to the highest professional standard. Learners will investigate the role of social media within the wider marketing mix, understanding how platforms and algorithms shape customer journeys and brand engagement. They will also build skills in campaign planning, budgeting, time management, resource allocation, and risk management. By integrating social media strategy with project management disciplines, apprentices will be equipped to design and manage campaigns that are both creative and operationally effective.
This module combines three critical areas of modern marketing practice: Marketing Technology (MarTech), Google Analytics, and Agile Project Management. Delivered over 12 weeks and 24 guided hours, the module equips apprentices with the technical, analytical, and project management skills required to design, deliver, and evaluate effective digital marketing campaigns. Learners will develop an understanding of the marketing technology landscape, exploring the tools and platforms that enable organisations to automate, personalise, and optimise marketing activity. Alongside this, they will gain hands-on experience with Google Analytics, learning how to measure campaign effectiveness, track customer journeys, and generate actionable insights. The module also introduces the principles of Agile Project Management, giving apprentices the flexibility to deliver campaigns in fast-paced, digital-first environments where adaptability and continuous improvement are essential. By integrating technology, analytics, and agile practices, apprentices will be able to manage data-driven marketing campaigns from planning through to evaluation, ensuring that both creativity and performance are achieved.
The programme is designed to fit smoothly alongside full-time work, with a total of 348 hours spread across 52 weeks (around 12 months). The participants are required to log 28 hours of off-the-job training per month, or 84 hours over a three-month period. This steady, manageable pace ensures employees can build expertise without disruption to their day-to-day role
Interactive 2-hour weekly sessions with industry experts, covering key concepts and practical applications.
Dedicated time to review materials and complete weekly assessments at your own pace.
Brief reflective essays applying classroom insights to your professional role—purely developmental, no pressure or grading.
Discover how our tailored training programs can help your employees gain new skills and drive business success. In this information session, we’ll walk you through funding options, course structures, and the measurable benefits for your company.
4
(professional)
Marketing Executive Apprenticeship + CIM Level 4 modules (2 exams)
12 months total
Employed in England and supported by employer; standard apprenticeship entry rules apply
Department for Education apprenticeship funding (levy or SME co‑funding). Not included: CIM membership & 2 CIM exam fees
For the Marketing Executive Level 4 Apprenticeship, the CIM membership cost is £60 per year and the total cost of CIM exams is £520. While these costs are typically the responsibility of the employer, Kent Business College is currently offering to waive them on a discretionary basis, providing exceptional value and support to both learners and employers.
*Funding note: The Department for Education funds the apprenticeship training fee. CIM exam fees and CIM membership are separate and not covered by apprenticeship funding.
We warmly invite employers, marketing managers, and aspiring professionals to join our upcoming online briefing, hosted on Eventbrite.
This fully funded Marketing Executive Level 4 Apprenticeship, supported by the Department for Education, includes a dual qualification with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Level 4 Certificate in Professional and Digital Marketing. It equips your team to apply cutting-edge marketing strategies, strengthen customer engagement, and embed best practice directly into your workplace.
At the session, you will discover how:
Employers can access government-funded training at minimal cost.
Teams benefit from improved capability, retention, and industry-recognised qualifications.
Employees gain a prestigious CIM credential alongside the apprenticeship, strengthening their professional standing.
Both junior and senior staff can apply learning directly to campaigns and strategies for measurable results.
Explore the official Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours for the Marketing Executive apprenticeship. We’ve grouped the exact
Explore the official Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours for the Marketing Executive apprenticeship. We’ve grouped the exact
Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll be invited to attend our prestigious graduation ceremony held at Rochester Cathedral, where you’ll receive your certification and celebrate with fellow graduates.
Our dedicated tutors are available 7 days a week, until 9:00 PM, including weekends. Schedule sessions at your convenience for personalized guidance on any aspect of the program.
We understand that attending in-person workshops may involve travel expenses. That’s why we cover travel costs for apprentices coming from afar, ensuring everyone has equal access to these valuable networking opportunities.
This commitment to accessibility reflects our dedication to providing a comprehensive learning experience that combines the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of face-to-face interaction.
Access a wealth of learning resources designed to enhance your understanding and application of project control principles.
Access to industry journals, case studies, and reference materials.
Test your knowledge with regular assessments and feedback.
Professional templates for immediate workplace application.
Step-by-step guides for complex concepts and tools.
Follow these easy steps to secure your place in our marketing programs.
Skilled marketing teams create lasting differentiation in crowded markets.
Well-trained marketers can quickly pivot strategies as market conditions evolve.
Investing in employee development increases loyalty and reduces turnover costs.
Trained employees share expertise with colleagues, creating a learning culture.
This apprenticeship is uniquely designed to deliver value to both organisations and individuals. By drawing on the UK government’s apprenticeship funding, employers are able to develop marketing capability at minimal cost, while employees gain professional recognition and practical expertise without financial barriers. The programme’s dual award—combining the Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship with the CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional and Digital Marketing—ensures that companies benefit from immediate workplace impact, and learners progress with qualifications that strengthen their professional standing and future career pathways.
Real-world impact through dual award training, guided coaching, and measurable KPI improvements grounded in UK apprenticeship research.
Approximately 69 % of employers report enhanced employee retention through apprenticeships.
78 % of businesses say apprenticeships contributed to increased productivity.
Teams with apprentices recorded an average 20 % increase in sales compared to similar teams without apprentices.
Apprenticeships were associated with 25 % less labour turnover, helping retain investment in talent.
86 % of employers say apprenticeships helped develop workplace-relevant skills.
Employers benefit by approximately £2,500 to £18,000 per apprentice during the training period.
Clear pathways for every stage—early career, established professionals, and experienced practitioners seeking formal recognition.
A quick, visual guide to levy and non-levy routes — and when Kent Business College may cover Chartered Institute of Marketing exam and membership costs on a discretionary basis.
Apprenticeship training fee (Marketing Executive Level 4)
CIM exam fees (optional; not funded by the Department for Education)
CIM membership (not funded by the Department for Education)
Discretionary support: Kent Business College may cover the Chartered Institute of Marketing exam and membership costs. These items
are usually the employer’s responsibility; please confirm eligibility with us first.
Training fee (£6,000) is paid from levy funds.
Chartered Institute of Marketing
exam £540 + membership £65
(usually employer-funded). Kent Business College may cover on a discretionary basis.
Government funds 95% (£5,700) of
the training fee.
Chartered Institute of Marketing
exam £540 + membership £65
(usually employer-funded). Kent Business College may cover on a discretionary basis.
The Department for Education funds 100% of the £6,000 training fee.
Chartered Institute of Marketing
exam £540 + membership £65
(usually employer-funded). Kent Business College may cover on a discretionary basis.
Book a quick call with an adviser or download the full guide.
| Route | Who pays training fee (£6,000) | Employer training cost | CIM exam (£540) + membership (£65) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levy-paying employer | Levy funds | £0 | Usually employer-funded; Kent Business College may cover on a discretionary basis |
| Non-levy employer | 95% government / 5% employer | £300 (or £30 per month, £0 interest) | |
| Learner under 20 | 100% government | £0 |
All funding is subject to eligibility and correct onboarding to the Digital Apprenticeship Service. Discretionary support for Chartered Institute of Marketing items must be confirmed by Kent Business College before enrolment.
Ready to elevate your marketing team? Enrolling employees in the programme is simple. Just follow these steps:
As an employer, please carefully review the entire contract and sign it using the following link
Log in to your Government Apprenticeship DAS account Government Apprenticeship DAS - If your employer does not have an account, you only need the Government Gateway credentials (username and password) to create an account. Once created, add us as your provider using our UKPRN: 10093689.
During this meeting, please have the following ready: Passport, GCSE certificates (if available), Other qualifications, and National Insurance Number, Choose Enrolment Meeting
Please check your inbox for the activation link to get started on APTEM (LMS platform).
This step is a government requirement to ensure that learners have the necessary literacy skills to fully engage with the program and succeed in their learning journey — there’s no pass or fail.
For the Marketing Executive Level 4 Apprenticeship, the CIM membership cost is £60 per year, and the total cost of CIM exams is £520.
While these costs are typically the responsibility of the employer, Kent Business College is currently offering to waive them on a discretionary basis, providing exceptional value and support to both learners and employers.
This apprenticeship is delivered through a blended model designed to offer flexibility, academic rigour, and practical application. Learners attend a 2-hour live online session each week for 52 weeks, which forms the core of the structured delivery. In addition, we host optional in-person workshops every four months in key cities such as London, Maidstone, Nottingham, and Manchester, with all transportation costs fully covered by Kent Business College.
Outside the live sessions, learners are expected to commit 2 to 3 hours per week to independent study. This typically involves reading 10 to 20 pages of structured learning material and completing 20 to 30 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to consolidate their understanding.
Each month, learners are also required to submit a reflective report outlining how the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) gained through the programme are being applied in their professional context and how this contributes to improved marketing practice.
Every apprentice is allocated a dedicated coach, who provides monthly one-to-one sessions to support the learner in applying marketing principles within their role. In addition, our teaching staff—who are all university lecturers or professors—offer one-to-one academic support as needed.
All coaches and teachers are CIM-qualified professionals with extensive industry experience. Furthermore, they are all trained and certified in safeguarding, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for every apprentice.
The Department for Education and the Apprenticeship Levy do not cover the cost of professional memberships. While these costs are typically the responsibility of the employer, Kent Business College is currently offering to waive them on a discretionary basis, providing exceptional value and support to both learners and employers.
Applicants should currently be working—or planning to work—in a marketing role, as our apprenticeships are occupationally focused rather than purely educational programmes. We do not require specific academic qualifications, such as GCSEs or formal Maths and English tests, for entry into our programmes. Instead, our compliance team assesses each applicant’s eligibility on a case-by-case basis, ensuring suitability and alignment with the programme objectives. At Kent Business College, we believe education and professional development should be accessible to everyone. Therefore, if you need additional support in English and Maths, we provide these services as optional, fully funded extras at no additional cost.
Yes, the apprenticeship is ideal for both new and existing employees. For existing staff, it provides a structured way to develop their marketing skills and gain a recognized qualification. The program can be particularly valuable for employees who have moved into marketing roles without formal training, or for those looking to update their skills with the latest digital marketing techniques and AI applications. The flexible delivery model ensures minimal disruption to their current work responsibilities.
Funding comes primarily through the UK government’s apprenticeship levy scheme. For levy-paying employers (those with a pay bill over £3 million annually), the program is 100% funded. For non-levy paying employers, the government funds 95% of the cost, with the employer contributing just 5% (£300 total, which can be paid monthly at approximately £30 per month). Additionally, apprenticeships for individuals under 20 years old are 100% funded regardless of the employer’s levy status.
You’ll receive comprehensive support throughout your learning journey, including one-to-one tutoring available 7 days a week until 9:00 PM (including weekends), a dedicated program advisor, access to a digital library of resources, interactive learning materials, and optional face-to-face networking workshops. Additionally, you’ll be part of a cohort of fellow learners, creating opportunities for peer support and collaborative learning.
This is a dual award programme, meaning that upon successful completion, you will receive two recognised qualifications:
Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship – with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) acting as the independent End Point Assessment Organisation.
CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional and Digital Marketing – a respected vocational qualification grounded in practical marketing principles.
Together, these qualifications not only demonstrate your competence in applying marketing knowledge and skills in the workplace, but also provide a strong platform for career progression. Completion of the Level 4 apprenticeship enables you to progress to a Level 6 marketing qualification or even a master’s degree in the future.
The CIM qualification is widely recognised by employers across the UK and internationally as a benchmark for marketing excellence. It draws on industry research and decades of professional best practice, supporting British businesses to grow and thrive in competitive markets.
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Contact our academic advisors to discuss which program is right for you. We’re here to help you navigate your marketing education journey.
+44 1622 37 0617
office@kentbusinesscollege.org
37 Maidstone Innovation Centre, Gidds Pond Way, Weavering, Maidstone ME14 5FY