SEO Apprentice

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Axa Health

Life Assurance

Maternity/Paternity pay

Holiday discounts

Retail discounts

Boost Benefits

Job summary

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is seeking an enthusiastic SEO Apprentice for our Ipswich Head Office. You will learn SEO, content, websites and digital marketing while working towards a Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer apprenticeship over about 18 months.

No prior SEO experience is required and training will be provided. You’ll work with the SEO & Content Specialist on keyword research, content planning, on-page SEO, technical SEO, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Must have strong written English and attention to detail.
• Interest in digital marketing and websites.
• Willingness to learn and develop SEO skills.
• Basic IT literacy and ability to use MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Assist with keyword research using SEO tools to identify opportunities.
• Support content planning and briefing for the Content Team.
• Help optimise on-page elements like titles, meta descriptions and headings.
• Assist with content refresh to keep site information accurate.
• Learn technical SEO basics and monitor website health.

Skills

Strong written English

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Curiosity about digital marketing

Team collaboration

Education

GCSE English & Maths

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-run business that has been offering exceptional cruise experiences for over 170 years. With a fleet of ships that provide intimate, friendly, and immersive voyages, we are committed to delivering world-class service with a personal touch. Join us and be part of a proud heritage that is all about making lasting memories for our guests.

As our business continues to grow, we’re expanding our Ecommerce team and are looking for an enthusiastic SEO Apprentice to join us at our Ipswich Head Office. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in SEO, content, websites and digital marketing while working towards a Level 3 Multi‑Channel Marketer apprenticeship qualification.

No previous SEO or digital marketing experience is required - we’ll provide the training and support you need to develop your skills and build a career in digital marketing.

About the role

Working closely with our SEO & Content Specialist, you’ll help improve the visibility and performance of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines website in organic search. You’ll combine structured learning with practical, hands‑on experience, developing your knowledge across areas such as:

• Keyword research- using tools such as Semrush and Google Keyword Planner to understand what customers are searching for and identify opportunities for new content.
• Content planning - helping create search briefs for our Content Team, identifying target keywords, questions and topics that pages should cover.
• On-page SEO - supporting improvements to page titles, meta descriptions, headings, image alt text and internal links.
• Content optimisation - helping refresh existing website content to ensure it remains accurate, useful and competitive.
• Technical SEO - learning how to monitor website health, identify issues and support website launches and changes.
• SEO reporting - helping analyse organic performance using tools such as Google Analytics 4 and Google Search Console and turning data into clear, simple insights.
• Competitor research - keeping an eye on what other cruise companies are doing online and identifying opportunities for Fred. Olsen.
• Team collaboration - working with colleagues across Marketing, Content, UX, Product, Brand and Development.
• Digital marketing - developing a broader understanding of areas such as email, paid media, social media, content and brand marketing.
• AI in marketing - learning how to use AI tools appropriately for research and drafting, while applying your own judgement and fact‑checking anything produced.
• As your knowledge and confidence develop, you’ll take increasing ownership of defined areas of the website and SEO activity.

This is an Apprenticeship; the successful candidate will work towards the Level 3 Multi‑Channel Marketer qualification. which has an estimated course duration of 18 months. This will be a work‑based Apprenticeship, therefore there will be no requirement for a day release to college. You will have an allocated Assessor from an Apprenticeship training provider who will visit you in the workplace and provide 1-2-1 training, support, and guidance throughout the course. You'll have the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience with an award‑winning cruise and travel brand. With structured learning and support throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll build a portfolio of evidence throughout the programme and develop an understanding of the wider marketing mix, giving you a strong foundation for a career in digital marketing.

What we’re looking for

• GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths, or equivalent, or be willing to work towards Functional Skills Level 2.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong written English and excellent attention to detail.
• An interest in digital marketing, websites, content and search engines.
• Good organisational and time‑management skills.
• A methodical approach and an interest in working with data.
• The confidence to ask questions and take on feedback.
• A genuine curiosity about how things work and a willingness to learn.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a small team.

It would be great if you also have an interest in travel, cruising or the wider holiday industry, or have experience running a website, blog, online shop or social media channel. However, these aren't essential.

Why join Fred. Olsen?

This is an opportunity to gain real‑world digital marketing experience within an established travel brand, while working towards a recognised qualification.

You’ll be supported throughout your apprenticeship and will have the opportunity to learn from experienced marketing professionals, work on live projects and develop skills that can help you build a long‑term career in digital marketing.

If you’re curious, organised, analytical and excited to learn, we’d love to hear from you.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer a wide range of benefits including Axa Health medical, Life Assurance, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, discounted holidays and cruises, plus retail discounts and cash back incentives through our Boost Benefits scheme.

Attached to this advert you will find a full job description and details of our Company benefits on offer.

Our Values:

We are one team - Working together, supporting each other and recognising that every role plays a part.

We are ambitious - Always looking for opportunities to improve and deliver more for our guests, colleagues and business.

We are curious - Asking questions, seeking new ideas and learning from the world around us.

We are real - Bringing our authentic selves to work and creating genuine connections.

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We want to ensure that you feel supported throughout the application process and provide reasonable adjustments where necessary and requested. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application and interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know.