Must be employed by a SOLAS ‘Approved Employer’ and registered as an
apprentice.
  Must have Grade O6/H7 or above in 5 Leaving Certificate subjects (including Maths F2/06/H7 and English 06/H7) or a full QQI Level 5 or higher qualification
  International applicants must present the equivalent of a full Level qualification or higher.
  English is the language of tuition and assessment. Learners for whom English is not a first language must demonstrate proficiency in English. Applicants must achieve a minimum of a grade B2 CEFR or recognised equivalent.
  Non-EU applicants are subject to work permit regulations.
  Non-Standard Applicants aged 21 years and over without a Level 5 qualification will also be considered for access via Recognition of Prior Learning following an interview with the National Programme Manager (on behalf of the CSG) and submission of relevant documentation. 

The Digital Marketing apprenticeship is a two-year fully funded programme coordinated by Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB). It is offered in several locations across Ireland.   

Upon successful completion, apprentices will be awarded a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Digital Marketing.

This apprenticeship follows a blended learning approach that includes: 

1. On-the-Job Learning in the workplace

65% in Year 1 and 63% in Year 2 learning with their employers using experiential learning and workplace tasks and fully supported by a workplace mentor and by the MSLETB programme team.

2. Off-the-Job Learning in the classroom and online

35% in Year 1 and 37% in Year 2 in a face-to-face workshop and synchronous online setting. Employers will be required to release the apprentices for these off the job components.

You can explore all your currently available education, training, and employment opportunities in Digital media & marketing sectors explore career sectors.

Programme Content

Typical programme modules may include

• 21st Century Digital Marketing & Media
• Digital Content Creation
• Digital Marketing Tool & Tactics
• Digital Marketing and Media Law & Ethics
• Content Marketing and Generative AI
• Social Media Marketing
• Emerging trends in E-Business
• Planning & Implementation
• Digital Transformation Leadership

Elective Modules include:

• Digital Communication for the Public Sector
• Generative AI for Digital Marketing
• Media Planning & Buying
• Podcasting

View the MSLETB Digital Marketing Apprenticeship brochure here.    

On completion of this programme, the learner (apprentice) will be able to

• Demonstrate broad and specialised knowledge across key digital disciplines relevant to the role of a digital marketing associate in both public and private sectors.
• Apply a strong understanding of core digital marketing concepts, regulations, tools, abstract models, and emerging technologies, and how they are used in practice.
• Show advanced awareness of both macro and micro environmental factors by engaging with a multidisciplinary digital community of practice.
• Use a comprehensive set of specialised skills in digital marketing and media settings.
• Analyse the impact of legal and ethical standards on digital marketing strategies.
• Communicate complex or technical information clearly and effectively to a variety of stakeholders.
• Work independently and professionally across a range of tasks in digital marketing and media environments.
• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving abilities, producing high-quality work with integrity and attention to detail.
• Collaborate effectively, showing growth, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Take responsibility for personal learning and contribute to the development of others when appropriate.
• Understand and reflect on the digital marketing associate’s responsibilities, including personal, professional, societal, inclusive, and environmental considerations.

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout, or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be attracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophisticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade, and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Skills & Qualities
• Good communication skills
• Effective time management
• Teamwork

View the National Apprenticeship Occupational Profile     here for typical professional skills and behaviours associated with this occupation. 

On completion of this apprenticeship programme, possible occupations could include:

• Digital marketing executive
• Social media manager
• Digital marketing analyst
• Content marketing executive
• Search engine optimisation specialist
• Digital campaign manager
• Digital marketing strategist
• Digital marketing account manager
• Account associates
• Communications Associate
• Digital lead
• Junior content producer
• PPC & digital marketing specialist
• Digital marketing & customer experience manager
• Advertising Inventory Analyst
• Media Planner
• Media Scheduler
• Advertiser Insights Executive
• Media Co-Ordinator
• Media Sales
• Advertising Ops
• Programmatic Media Executive

Typical tasks and responsibilities could include:

• Developing and managing digital marketing campaigns across channels such as email, social media, search engines, and websites.
• Creating and curating content for blogs, social media, newsletters, and web pages to engage target audiences.
• Managing social media accounts, scheduling posts, and interacting with followers to build brand awareness.
• Conducting market and audience research to identify trends, customer behaviour, and campaign opportunities.
• Using analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to monitor campaign performance and generate insights.
• Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to improve website visibility in search engine results.
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising management, including setting up, monitoring, and optimising ads.
• Email marketing execution, including campaign design, delivery, segmentation, and reporting.
• Collaborating with design and content teams to create cohesive digital assets and campaigns.
• Staying up to date with digital marketing trends and technologies to recommend new strategies or tools.

View the National Apprenticeship Occupational Profile here.    

This apprenticeship can lead to opportunities across a wide range of industries, including:
• Pharmaceutical
• Gaming
• Healthcare & medical devices
• Health & Beauty
• Education
• Manufacturing & automotive
• Media & Entertain
• Ecommerce & Retail
• FinTech
• Hospitality
• Travel & Tourism
• Logistics
• Print & Packaging
• Construction
• Consumer Retail Products

Advancement and Promotion
Where apprentices have the necessary ability, initiative, and basic qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement.

• People in employment have several options for both Educational and Career Progression. It might also be possible to gain promotion within your existing company. 
  
• By using your existing qualifications and experience you may be able to secure an alternative position in a more senior role in another company.
• It may also be possible to set up your own company based again on your existing qualifications and experience. 

On completion of an apprenticeship your educational progression options may be offered as full awards on the NFQ levels 7-10 National Framework . You may also decide to embark on a partial award or to upskill in a particular area by undertaking a short, specialised course. 

Whatever route you decide to take, remember education is a lifelong pursuit and you can always continue to upskill and/or retrain, whatever your age. 

Useful Links for Career Progression

You may also decide to embark on a partial award or to upskill in a particular area by undertaking a short, specialised course.   Depending on your skills, knowledge, and experience, some of the opportunities below may be appropriate to help develop your Career pathway.   

• Springboard & conversion courses      
• Skillnet Sector learning network courses    
• Skills to advance Local ETB Board    
• Further education training centres Fetchcourses    
• Post graduate education Search Post Graduate options    

Enterprise and Self-Employment Support:
On completion of an apprenticeship you may decide to set up your own business. The links below may be useful to support your entrepreneurial journey: 

• Local Enterprise Offices    , For profit Local enterprise support
• Local Area partnerships     For profit enterprise support
• Social entrepreneurs    : Not-for-profit enterprise support
• Franchising    : Developing your business under an established franchise 

CAO higher education Full time NFQ level 7-8 education Search CAO Course Finder

Springboard Courses full, part time, blended online & in person skill conversion programmes NFQ level 6-9 Search Springboard Courses

Skillnet Industry Networks     Marketing, ICT skills, design sector led skills and training programmes across Digital marketing & media production Search Skillnets Courses    

Post Graduate study post graduate career development programmes Search Postgrad Courses

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal.    
You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Civil Service Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Programme

Applicants choosing this apprenticeship may wish to consider applying for the Civil Service Digital Marketing Apprenticeship. This programme offers a clear pathway to a long-term career in the Civil Service, giving apprentices the opportunity to apply for permanent Executive Officer roles after successfully complete their apprenticeship. 

You can explore all your currently available education, training, and employment opportunities in Digital media & marketing sectors explore career sectors.

This apprenticeship is managed by Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB). If you are interested in a Digital Marketing apprenticeship, you should contact MSLETB via the contact details below.

Further information is also available from the co-ordinating provider: 

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board    

Debbie Woodward - Interim National Programme Manager (Digital Marketing Apprenticeship) 
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01 852197936

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

Online Job Sites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

Pay & Fees

The employer pays the apprentice for the duration of this apprenticeship programme.

The rate of pay agreed for this apprenticeship is agreed between the employer and the apprentice.

Apprentices are not required to pay a student contribution for this apprenticeship.

Employer Grants available

Employers can available of a

• €4,000 government grant per apprentice registered. 
• Údarás na Gaeltachta grant     worth over €2,000 (applications open in February and May each year).
• Gender Bursary grant.