Somerset-based Hatched Agency has announced a new partnership with education and training provider SS&L to help deliver the Multi-Channel Marketer Level 3 Apprenticeship, giving learners direct access to industry professionals, live client projects and real-world agency experience.
The collaboration will see Hatched Agency become a specialist delivery partner for the programme, developing learning content and delivering a number of apprenticeship modules from its headquarters at the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation in Taunton. 
The partnership aims to bring education and industry closer together, giving apprentices the opportunity to learn directly from experienced marketers, designers, developers and digital specialists working with businesses every day.
Learners will gain practical insight into areas including digital marketing, campaign planning, branding, content creation, analytics, customer engagement, websites, AI and emerging technologies.
Typically completed over 18 months, the Multi-Channel Marketer Level 3 Apprenticeship combines structured learning with practical workplace experience, helping learners develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by today’s employers.
As part of the new partnership, apprentices will also experience agency life first-hand. They will take part in interactive workshops, tackle current marketing challenges and gain exposure to live client projects and the technologies shaping the future of the creative and digital industries. 
Gavin Sadler, Managing Director of Hatched Agency, said: “We’re passionate about giving young people the best possible start to their careers. Marketing moves incredibly quickly, so it’s vital that learners experience the real world alongside the theory.
“By opening our doors and delivering specialist modules from our agency, apprentices won’t just learn what marketing is. They’ll see how it works in practice, hear directly from industry experts and develop the confidence and skills employers are genuinely looking for.
“As a business, we’ve always believed in investing in people. Whether that’s apprentices, graduates or young creatives, we’re committed to helping nurture the next generation of talent here in Somerset.”
The partnership builds on Hatched Agency’s continued investment in developing future talent in Somerset.
Following a period of growth, the Taunton agency has expanded its team and launched Hatched Labs, its innovation division exploring emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and new digital solutions.
Alongside its commercial work, the agency continues to create opportunities for young people to gain experience and develop careers within the region’s growing creative and digital sector.
SS&L is a Community Interest Company rooted in Somerset and delivering learning across the South West. Through adult learning, apprenticeships and programmes for young people, the organisation helps people aged 16 and over gain the confidence, skills and opportunities to shape better futures.
Every year, SS&L supports thousands of learners and hundreds of employers, with a focus on practical, inclusive learning that removes barriers and helps individuals, businesses and communities thrive.
Heidi Oliver, Business Development & Partnerships Director at SS&L, said: “At SS&L we believe apprenticeships are most successful when education and industry work together. Partnering with Hatched Agency gives our learners access to a thriving creative business where they can learn directly from professionals working at the forefront of marketing every day.
“This partnership brings learning to life, combining technical knowledge with real commercial experience and helping apprentices develop the confidence, creativity and practical skills they’ll need for successful careers in the industry.”
By combining structured apprenticeship learning with direct access to industry expertise, Hatched Agency and SS&L hope the partnership will help bridge the gap between education and employment while contributing to the development of Somerset’s creative and digital economy.
Apprentices will benefit from specialist sessions delivered by members of the Hatched team, collaborative projects and practical workshops designed to expose learners to the day-to-day realities of modern marketing.
The partnership also provides employers with an opportunity to develop marketing talent equipped with practical skills that can be applied in the workplace from the outset.
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