One of the most common reasons employers hesitate before taking on an apprentice has nothing to do with cost or commitment. They simply do not know what they are signing up for. This article splits the responsibilities clearly — so you know exactly what you are taking on, and what you are not.

What Does a Marketing Apprenticeship Training Provider Actually Do? (And What's Your Job as the Employer?)

An apprenticeship involves three parties: the employer, the training provider, and the apprentice. Understanding where each one's responsibilities begin and end is the key to running a successful programme without unnecessary friction.

What the Training Provider Handles — in Detail

1. Digital Apprenticeship Service Setup and Administration

If you have never used the apprenticeship system before, you need to register with the Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) — the government's platform for managing levy funds and apprenticeship records. NTG walks you through this from the beginning. We set up your account, register the apprenticeship commitment statement, and for non-levy-paying SMEs we manage the co-investment documentation and ensure government funding is applied before the programme starts.

2. Eligibility and Prior Learning Assessment

Before a programme starts, NTG confirms that the apprentice meets eligibility criteria — including right to work, existing qualification level, and that the programme delivers genuinely new learning. We conduct an initial skills scan and prior learning assessment. If someone is not suitable for a particular programme, we tell you at this stage.

3. Curriculum Delivery

This is the core of what NTG does: delivering the off-the-job training that forms the educational spine of the apprenticeship. For our marketing programmes this means regular online learning sessions, live tutor-led classes, specialist module delivery, and one-to-one coaching throughout. Your apprentice engages with this training during their working hours — the schedule is agreed with you at the start so it does not disrupt your operations.

You do not teach the curriculum. You do not set assignments. You do not mark work. That is NTG's function.

4. Progress Reviews

Every apprentice has regular progress reviews — typically every 8 to 12 weeks — which NTG conducts with both the apprentice and their workplace mentor. NTG produces a written record of each review. You are asked to attend and contribute (typically a 45-minute conversation), but you are not responsible for the assessment or documentation.

5. End Point Assessment Preparation

The End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage of any apprenticeship. NTG prepares your apprentice throughout the programme — not just in the final weeks. By the time they reach assessment, they have built a portfolio of real work from your business and are confident in discussing it. You may be asked to verify that portfolio work was genuinely produced by the apprentice. That is the extent of your EPA involvement.

6. Ongoing Employer Support

NTG maintains regular contact throughout the programme and has clear processes for handling any issues — the apprentice struggling, misalignment between programme content and role, or changes in your business circumstances. A proactive provider surfaces problems early rather than leaving them to escalate.

What You Are Responsible for as the Employer

1. A genuine job role

An apprentice must be employed in a real role that gives them the opportunity to practise the skills they are learning. For a marketing apprenticeship, this means actual marketing work — writing content, supporting campaigns, managing social channels, working with data. The role does not need to be elaborate. But it must be genuine.

2. A workplace mentor

Every apprentice needs a named person in the business — someone who can answer questions, provide feedback on their work, and communicate with NTG during progress reviews. This does not need to be a marketing expert. It needs to be someone who cares about the apprentice's development and is available for regular brief conversations.

3. Off-the-job training time

The off-the-job training must take place during working hours. Under the 2025 funding rules, minimum hours are set per apprenticeship standard rather than as a percentage — removing the old 20% calculation. NTG provides this schedule in advance, built into the programme plan from day one.

4. The apprentice's salary

The government funds training costs; you fund employment. The salary is separate from training costs and cannot be drawn from the levy. The minimum apprentice wage from April 2026 is £8.00/hr — though most employers pay above this to attract stronger candidates.

The Things Most Providers Don't Tell You

What a Good Marketing Apprenticeship Provider Looks Like

• Proactive employer communicationThey contact you with updates — you do not have to chase them.
• Tutors with real industry experienceMarketing is evolving rapidly. Your apprentice's tutor should have practised in the field, not just taught it.
• Flexible schedulingThe off-the-job training should work around your business operations — not the other way around.
• Transparent Ofsted ratingAn Ofsted Outstanding or Good rating for apprenticeship delivery is a meaningful quality signal.
• Honesty before you commitA provider who gives you a clear, honest picture of what you are taking on — including the parts that require effort from you — will be honest with you throughout.

How the Process Works at NTG: Step by Step

1. Discovery conversation (30 mins)We talk about your team structure, the employee's or candidate's role, and your levy position. We identify the right programme and confirm eligibility.
2. Prior learning assessmentWe assess what your apprentice already knows to confirm the programme level and personalise the learning plan.
3. DAS setup and commitment statementNTG handles all account setup and documentation. You review and sign the commitment statement. Levy payers: we connect to your DAS account.
4. Programme startsYour apprentice begins training alongside their normal role. Online learning, tutor sessions, and coaching are scheduled in advance to minimise business disruption.
5. Regular progress reviewsEvery 8–12 weeks, NTG holds a structured review with the apprentice and their workplace mentor. You attend and contribute; NTG handles the documentation.
6. End Point AssessmentNTG prepares the apprentice throughout. The EPA — portfolio and professional discussion — is a confident formality by the time they reach it.

From first conversation to programme start: typically four to six weeks.

NTG's Marketing Apprenticeship Programmes

• Multi-Channel Marketer Level 3 — campaigns, content, SEO, analytics. Up to £5,000 funded.
• Content Creator Level 3 — video, copy, social media, brand content. Up to £9,500 funded.
• Marketing Manager Level 6 — degree-level, strategy and leadership. Up to £22,000 funded.

Frequently Asked Questions