With over half the UK's population on Facebook, businesses have always been looking for ways to make an online connection with them - and, they hope, turn them into customers.
Social media is now an important driving force for modern business, so one company - Manchester-based Tangerine PR - is now offering apprenticeships in the use of social media for business purposes.
The "Juice Academy" apprenticeship scheme offers students the chance to develop the key skills they need to excel in the professional use of social media.
Apprentices will be employed either by a creative agency or a company's marketing team throughout the twelve-month programme, with training on a day release basis.
They'll be studying towards a Level 3 Certificate in Social Media and Digital from City & Guilds.
Salaries will be considerably higher than the average UK apprenticeship wage, at £11,500 per annum.
Successful candidates must live within commuting distance of Manchester, and be aged under 19 at the start of their apprenticeship.
They should have attained c grades or above in GCSE Math, ICT and English language.
There will be four intakes of 20 apprenticeships each year.
Lucy Adams, the project co-ordinator, says: “The programme will not only serve to create much needed jobs for young people but will fill an industry-wide skills gap by training young professionals in the practical application of social media.”
Apprentice Programme leader, Anna Wilson, says: “We’re encouraging businesses and apprenticeship candidates to step forward and be part of the Juice Academy.
“It will provide great benefits for all the parties involved, and the chance to be part of something that’s revolutionary in the industry.”
The programme is not open to graduates.
