With an apprenticeship, you can learn a lot about a field without having to go to university. Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to earn a wage while gaining valuable work experience. By the end of your program, you’d have gained the technical and soft skills needed for your career.
When it comes to the world of search engine optimization (SEO), apprenticeships are an excellent way to get the hands-on training and mentorship needed to succeed. In addition, you’ll connect with professionals in the field who can help you achieve your goals. In this guide, we bring the best SEO apprenticeships and tell you all you need to know about requirements and salaries.
What Is an SEO Apprenticeship?
As an SEO apprentice, it will be your responsibility to learn and execute a wide range of SEO-related tasks. You’ll develop a solid understanding of inbound marketing, content optimization, link building, and off-site promotion.
You’ll also be tasked with assisting the SEO strategist in maintaining all client and internal websites with fully optimized content, SEO audits, monthly retainers, and ongoing reporting. Through hands-on learning, apprenticeships will improve your understanding of real clients and companies. In addition, it is not uncommon for apprentices to become full-time employees.
What Does an SEO Apprentice Do?
As an apprentice in the SEO industry, you will work on a wide range of tasks that ultimately aim to improve the ranking of the company in search engine result pages (SERPs). Examples include inbound marketing, content optimization, link building, and off-site promotion.
SEO Apprenticeship Salary
Apprentices can earn up to $60,000 per year in this industry. Location and other factors can influence the monthly salary. In some cases, SEO and digital marketing apprentices receive a generous compensation package, as well as other perks and benefits.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary of an SEO intern is $56,657. While an internship is not the same as an apprenticeship, this figure does give us a good idea of what the average salary of an apprentice in this industry is.
SEO Apprenticeship Requirements
SEO specialists can work in digital marketing agencies or in-house marketing departments. Most SEO specialists have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as marketing or information technology. Additionally, you may be required to have some analytical and digital marketing skills.
Types of SEO Apprenticeships
Some search engine optimization apprenticeships center around on-page SEO while others focus on technical SEO. Knowing both types is essential to becoming an SEO specialist. SEO is a versatile discipline that also involves software engineering, data analytics, keyword and competitor research, link building, and content management. Below, we have handpicked a few apprenticeship opportunities to get you started in this exciting industry.
Data Analytics Apprenticeship
Data analysis can help you master the art of search engine optimization. SEO work requires building large lists of competitors and relevant keywords as well as analyzing traffic statistics. Being able to apply statistics and data management expertise to your SEO work can prove invaluable.
A data analyst collects, transforms, and organizes data to help an organization make better business decisions. During an apprenticeship in the field of data analysis, you will learn to analyze datasets, apply security and statistical methods, and visualize data through infographics, graphs, and tables.
Project Management Apprenticeship
The work of an SEO expert typically requires managing teams of content writers, programmers, and SEO specialists to effectively increase SERP rankings for your site. A project management apprenticeship can help you develop these skills.
An apprenticeship in project management prepares individuals for the SEO industry by helping them develop expertise in operational and strategic project management processes, skills, and techniques.
SEO Specialist Apprenticeship
There are also plenty of companies that have apprenticeship programs focusing solely on SEO. These programs can help you master the fundamentals of search engine optimization and lay the foundation for a successful career as an SEO specialist. As an SEO specialist apprentice, you’ll work under the supervision of a senior SEO specialist and you will be involved in the creation of full-scale SEO campaigns from start to finish.
UX Design Apprenticeship
Knowledge of website interfaces is essential for SEO experts. Creating an enjoyable user experience through UX design principles guarantees that the website will see growth in traffic as well as conversion and click-through rates. Going through a UX design apprenticeship can be an excellent way to sharpen these skills.
SEO Apprenticeship Jobs
Through an apprenticeship, you can build your network in the industry while also learning the essentials of the field. Apprenticeships are also a great way to get hands-on experience in the industry you’re interested in. We’ve compiled a list of the top apprenticeship jobs and programs you should consider if you are eying a career in SEO.
Kivvit Digital Strategy Trainee Apprenticeship
The person selected for this apprenticeship opportunity will work with clients in a wide variety of sectors, including education, energy, public advocacy, tech, sports, health care, and politics. The apprentice will learn to plan and execute social media campaigns, develop and test ads, and report on advertising and website performance. They will also develop skills in digital marketing and budgeting.
Fire&Spark Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Program
There are three components in this training program that work together to accelerate your education and career development: meeting with a senior digital strategist, receiving assistance from an experienced marketer, and working directly with brand-name clients. You will also help to plan digital campaigns and provide research services.
This program helps you learn the skills you need to excel as a digital marketing analyst through a structured curriculum. The key focus areas of this program are SEO, web analytics, communication, content marketing, and market research.
Multiverse Digital Marketing Apprenticeship Program
This program covers topics like public relations and analytics, as well as SEO fundamentals. Additionally, students can experience several advertising platforms, including Google Ads and Facebook Ads.
In partnership with General Assembly, the program includes two week-long bootcamps. During the first, apprentices will develop their professional network. In the second bootcamp, they learn how to code their own website. Through monthly one-on-one sessions and regular progress reviews, industry-experienced SEO coaches help apprentices every step of the way.
QA Digital Marketer Level 3 Apprenticeship Program
This apprenticeship program gives you experience working in several teams—including publicity, social media, and project management—under the direction of a marketing manager. You will work with entertainment clients such as Sony, Lionsgate, Warner Bros, and Viacom and will have a strong chance of becoming a full-time member of the QA team after your program.
As a digital marketing specialist, you’ll create social media and online campaigns on several platforms. You will be using a marketing brief to guide your work, which will include instructions for the project or campaign you are creating. The company will integrate your projects into its overall marketing plans.
Day One Agency Digital Strategy Apprenticeship Program
Day One Agency is on the lookout for a digital strategy apprentice to join their growing organization. This position is best for a quick learner who can work cooperatively and quickly with a variety of teams. Strong organizational skills are also recommended. You’ll be part of a rewarding learning environment that will help you advance your knowledge and career.
During the two-month apprentice program, participants learn about the company and its award-winning business. Apprentices gain valuable experience and work directly with team members. Day One Agency has hired several apprentices into full-time positions since implementing its apprentice program.
How to Get an SEO Apprenticeship
There are many ways to increase your chances of qualifying for an SEO apprenticeship. Preparation goes a long way. You can attend a coding bootcamp, apply for internships, or go to a trade school or vocational school to gain the skills and experience you need to join an apprenticeship program.
Bootcamps
Bootcamps prepare you for a career in technology by providing an intensive training program. This is a great way to gain the skills and hands-on experience you need to apply for an SEO apprenticeship. The best SEO bootcamps help you learn in-demand SEO skills in just a few weeks and develop your professional portfolio.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Internships
An internship offers students meaningful, practical learning experience related to their field of study or career interests. In addition to learning new skills, an internship allows students to join a team of SEO experts, expand their network, and get a taste of what working in the field is like. SEO and digital marketing internships usually require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Trade Schools
Trade schools, also known as technical or tech schools, prepare students for a range of careers, including IT and computer technology. While finding an SEO program at a trade school is unlikely, you can find courses that are very beneficial for a career in SEO. For example, aspiring SEO experts can benefit from taking a web development or computer science course.
Vocational Training
Vocational education, also known as career training or technical education, refers to hands-on training for specific jobs. Vocational schools may offer programs on digital marketing or web development that can help you in your SEO career. In addition, having a diploma from a vocational school will improve your chances of landing that coveted apprenticeship opportunity.
Is an SEO Apprenticeship Worth It?
Yes, an SEO apprenticeship is worth it. Developing your search engine optimization skills has never been more relevant. Studies suggest that over 93 percent of online activities begin with a person typing queries into a search engine. The ranking of search results matters more than ever. Companies and websites that rank well are more likely to succeed.
Recent research finds that SEO job postings have increased by 43 percent year-over-year. An excellent way to get the experience needed for these jobs is to join an apprenticeship program. If you are interested in becoming an SEO expert, then apply to one of the programs on this list today!
SEO Apprenticeship FAQ
A career in SEO can be highly rewarding and lucrative. You’ll be working on a range of activities, from content creation to link building, to give your company a competitive edge when it comes to ranking in SERPs. You’ll work with tools such as the Google Search Console and Facebook Ads.
There is usually little to no coding involved in SEO. Nevertheless, it is useful to have a good understanding of how programming works. Being able to code can help you increase your efficiency during certain SEO processes.
It can take several weeks or years to learn SEO. This is based on factors such as the level you are trying to achieve, how much time you are willing to spend learning SEO, your current experience, how persistent you are, and what resources you use.
Yes. SEO involves many areas, from content writing to data analysis and everything in between. Some SEO positions may be flexible, but most professionals often work a typical nine to five.
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