2018 - The journey begins
Closing a gap in the apprenticeship market
Founded in 2018, Apprentify was created to solve a major challenge: businesses struggling to find, train and retain skilled talent within the marketing sector.
After exiting his previous business where he successfully trained 30,000 graduates over 25 years, CEO Jonathan Fitchew realised there was not a single apprenticeship provider providing the "perfect" journey. Jonathan used his extensive experience to launch a specialist digital and tech apprenticeship provider, disrupting the market.
2019 - January
Developing our very first programme
Apprentify’s five staff members worked tirelessly to develop a best-in-class marketing training solution. We moved into our very first “proper” home at The Colony in Wilmslow, with our first ever programme (Digital Marketing Level 3) slowly being shaped. Come March, the programme welcomed its very first apprentices.
2019 - March
Apprentify gets its first apprentices on the programme and gains assistance from prime partners to help deliver the Digital Marketer Level 3 course.
2019 - August
Apprentify’s vision of providing the best digital apprenticeships comes to life as we sign our first big employer deal with JD Sports. We still work with the JD Group today, demonstrating the long-term value of our partnership approach.
Around the same time, we joined forces with The Juice Academy as a subcontractor, launching Junior Content Producer Level 3.
2020 - March
The pandemic
COVID-19 hits and businesses start seriously evaluating their futures. Apprentify steps up to support our employer partners, working to provide marketing consultancy and audits, with the aim of ensuring they survive the pandemic and our partnerships endure.
2020 - August
With the world seemingly changed forever, it becomes universally acknowledged that digital and technical talent will drive the future growth of business. In spite of the economic climate, we manage to launch another programme; Marketing Executive Level 4.
2021 - January
Stepping into tech
We begin the development of new programmes including Software Developer Level 4, Software Technician Level 3, Data Technician Level 3 and Data Analyst Level 4, expanding our original digital apprenticeship concept into tech.
2021 - October
We launch our 13th apprenticeship (Public Relations and Communications Level 4) and win our first Adult Education Budget bootcamp course for employers looking for digital marketing, data analysis and software development training.
2022 - February
Beginnings of a Group: acquisition of Netcom Training
The business secures significant investment from BGF to support its ambitious growth plans. Big moves follow. We acquire Netcom Training, a regional provider of bootcamps and adult skills programmes based in the West Midlands. Today, Netcom is a national skills provider, working with several combined authorities and an integral part of our Group reach and impact.
2023 - July
Making it official with The Juice Academy
The Group acquires long-term partner The Juice Academy, subsequently expanding its offering to include Multi-Channel Marketer, Hospitality Marketer and Fundraiser. With investment in its delivery, programmes and footprint, The Juice Academy now supports learners and employers nationwide, placing apprentices and providing workforce training.
2024 - September
Building Group capability: acquisition of Ioda
In a move to expand the Group’s offering into leadership, management and culture, we acquire Ioda, a long-standing training provider with an excellent reputation. Within a year, Ioda sees significant uplift, including a 50% increase in new business driven by cross-selling across the Group. The acquisition strengthens the Group’s ability to support clients across every level of the workforce.
2024 - September
Group HQ moves back to Wilmslow
The Apprentify Group returns “home” and consolidates its headquarters in the heart of Wilmslow, leaving Alderley Park.
2024 - November
Flourish is born: sales recruitment reimagined
We bring a new proposition to the market; Flourish, a sales and GTM brand focused on hiring, enabling and retaining high-performing B2B sales talent. A venture co-founded with Jonathan Fitchew and Sarah Skelton, Flourish blends early career recruitment with performance-led training for existing teams, prioritising pastoral care to deliver lasting results.
2025 - June
Making waves in tech
Celebrating almost 7 years of incredible progression, the Apprentify Group is named the UK’s 30th fastest growing private business in The Sunday Times Hundred 2025.
At the same time, Apprentify consolidates its position as one of the UK’s leading digital and tech training providers, cementing its focus on new key areas including AI and data, with the aim of futureproofing businesses across the country.
