Hip-hip-Harry! Another Search Academy success
We’re delighted to be celebrating another brilliant achievement from our Search Academy. Harry has officially completed his Search Marketing Apprenticeship and is graduating with a distinction.
From the moment Harry joined us at 21Digital, he showed the enthusiasm, curiosity and determination that help people thrive in the fast-moving world of digital marketing. Throughout his apprenticeship, he’s had the opportunity to gain experience across all areas of search marketing, from SEO and content through to PPC.
It didn’t take long for Harry to develop a particular interest in PPC, where he’s continued to build his knowledge, develop his skills and take on more responsibility over time. He’s progressed from learning the foundations of paid search to managing his own accounts and playing an important role in the success of our clients’ campaigns.
In his own words he said:
“Being part of the Search Academy has been a brilliant experience. I’ve had the chance to learn the theory behind digital marketing while developing practical PPC and SEO skills, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to learn from and support me along the way.”
Harry’s hard work pays off with a distinction
Achieving a distinction is a fantastic accomplishment and a reflection of the effort Harry has put into his apprenticeship. While we’re incredibly pleased with the result, it doesn’t come as a surprise to us. Throughout his time with us, Harry has consistently shown the curiosity, commitment and willingness to learn that make someone thrive within our team.
Harry is now the latest member of our Search Academy to join the distinction club, following previous academy graduates who also achieved top marks during their apprenticeships. Seeing another member of the academy reach this milestone is incredibly rewarding and highlights the impact that investing in young talent can have.
From starting out at 21 to supporting the next generation
Journey’s like Harry’s is exactly why we created the Search Academy in the first place. Supporting young people has always been important to us as a business because we know first-hand how much the right opportunity can shape someone’s future. Our own story started when Steven and Michael founded our business at just 21 years old, which became the inspiration behind our name and the beginning of the journey that has shaped the agency we are today.
That experience has stayed at the heart of who we are as a business. We know the impact that having the chance to learn, grow and build something meaningful can have, which is why we’ve continued to pass that torch on by creating opportunities for others to get their foot in the door of this ever-changing industry.
Through our Search Academy, we’re helping the next generation of digital marketers discover what they can achieve.
The first opportunity matters more than ever in 2026
For young people entering the job market today, getting that first opportunity can be harder than ever. More than one million people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are currently not in employment, education or training, while almost 14% of young people are classed as economically inactive or unemployed.
Competition for roles remains high, with fewer vacancies and more applicants for each opportunity. While securing a job can be challenging enough, finding a role that offers meaningful development and a pathway into a long-term career can be even harder.
The first opportunity someone gets can have a huge impact. It’s where people begin to build experience, discover their strengths, and develop the skills they need to progress.
Learning through real experience
While Harry’s story is something we’re celebrating, it also highlights a broader challenge many young people face when starting their careers today. Getting that first opportunity can be incredibly difficult.
As a Blackburn-based digital agency, we’re passionate about creating opportunities locally and showing that exciting careers in digital marketing aren’t found only in larger cities.
We created the Search Academy to give young people the right balance of structured learning and hands-on experience. While studying in a classroom provides the knowledge and foundations needed to understand digital marketing academically, some of the most valuable lessons come from applying that knowledge in real situations.
That’s why our apprentices don’t just learn through training sessions and assignments. They work alongside our experienced team, contribute to real client campaigns and gain a well-rounded understanding of what it’s like to work in a busy digital agency.
After all, experience is the best teacher!
Helping shape the future of digital marketing
The Search Academy all is about investing in people and helping create the next generation of digital talent.
Seeing Harry complete his apprenticeship with a distinction is exactly the kind of success story we hoped the Search Academy would create when we started it, and it’s another great reminder of why investing in young talent is so important.
Congratulations on your outstanding achievements, Harry!
If Harry’s story has inspired you and you’re looking to start your own career in digital marketing, we’d love to hear from you. Keep an eye on our careers page and social channels for future Search Academy opportunities.
And if you’re looking for a digital marketing agency to help grow your business, we’re here to help. With more than 21 years of experience, we specialise in everything from web design and web development to SEO, Google Ads, digital consultancy, social media marketing, and email marketing.
To find out how we can help your business grow, give our team a call on 01254 660 560 or get in touch via our enquiry form today. We’d love to chat!
