Getting a first opportunity can be difficult, even when you’ve worked hard to prepare for it.
That’s why we’re launching a new apprenticeship programme to help people at the start of their careers, giving them the chance to learn by doing, build real experience and gain a nationally recognised qualification along the way.
Our new 18-month apprenticeship programme will give four people the opportunity to start a career in B2B marketing and PR, with roles across PR, account management and digital media. Apprentices will take on a paid role at The Think Tank, with their training and Level 4 qualification fully funded by us.
The story behind the programme
For someone starting out, getting that first job can feel like hitting a wall. Employers ask for experience, but how do you get experience if nobody gives you the opportunity to start?
There are plenty of young people who have worked hard, developed their skills and are ready to take that next step, but are struggling to get their first proper opportunity in the workplace. We want to help remove some of those barriers.
“It’s something I’ve seen first-hand,” says Liam Bateman, Managing Director at The Think Tank. “We’re seeing far too many young people who are struggling to find their first opportunity.”
That’s where the idea for the programme came from.
Through The Think Tank Academy, we’re creating four apprenticeship places across three areas of the agency: PR, account management and digital media. Each role offers a different route into the world of B2B marketing, while giving apprentices the chance to learn alongside experienced ‘Thinkers’ and contribute to real client work.
And with AI changing the way marketers work, getting that practical experience matters more than ever. The programme is designed to help apprentices develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to keep learning and adapting as the industry changes.
An introduction to agency life
We wanted to create a programme that reflects what it is actually like to work in a marketing agency.
Our apprentices will be part of the team from day one. They’ll work alongside experienced colleagues, ask questions, get involved in client work and see how different skills come together to solve problems.
Across the three areas, they’ll get to experience:
- PR: learning how our PR team develops stories, works with the media and helps clients communicate with the people who matter to them.
- Account management: seeing how we work with clients, coordinate projects and bring the right people together to deliver the work.
- Digital media: building experience of the digital channels and content that help clients reach and engage their audiences.
Alongside their role, each apprentice will complete a fully funded Level 4 apprenticeship, with around a day a week of paid time dedicated to off-the-job training.
After 18 months, they’ll have a nationally recognised qualification, practical experience of working in an agency and a strong foundation to build their career.
That’s what we want the programme to provide: real work, proper support and experience that can help open the door to what comes next.
Explore the opportunities and apply
No agency experience is needed, and a degree is welcome but not essential. We’re interested in potential, curiosity and a genuine interest in building a career in marketing.
The roles are based at our Holborn office on a hybrid basis, giving apprentices the chance to learn and collaborate with the team in person while also having the flexibility of working from home.
Four apprentices won’t change the employment landscape for young people, but it could give four people the experience, skills and confidence to take their next step.
If you’re at the start of your career and looking for your first proper opportunity in marketing and PR, explore the apprenticeship roles and find out how to apply.
