Sales Apprenticeships
Why an apprenticeship in Sales?
It will kick start any sales career, offering access into a real sales job, hands-on experience, recognised vocational qualifications and references to back you up in future job applications.
Who would it suit?
A career in sales would suit someone who is highly-motivated, energetic, enthusiastic and competitive. You will need to be good at working under your own initiative, have great customer service skills and be able to remain calm under pressure. A good grasp of the English language is desirable and a second language is also an advantage.
What are the job opportunities?
There are a variety of positions depending on what level you are at. For example a Level 2 Apprentice could be a Customer Service Agent, Market Researcher, Sales Administrator, Receptionist or Telesales Administrator. An Advanced Level 3 Apprentice could be a Sales Representative, Key Account Manager, Sales Supervisor or Sales Team Leader, amongst others.
What can I earn?
As an apprentice the minimum wage is around £150 per week, but at the London Apprenticeship Company we recommend that apprentices are paid considerably more. Once qualified, average earnings are £11,000 – £25,000 pa but there is no ceiling, many sales jobs are salary plus commission so the more you sell the more you earn.
What will I learn?
What you learn will be directly related to the job you are in and the career direction you want to take. There are areas of the training that are mandatory to all jobs, such as selling products and services over the telephone and face-to-face, and managing and prioritising time for sales activities. Others are more specific to your individual role, such as monitoring the delivery of products or generating and following up sales leads, sales demonstrations, plus analysing sales, competitors and buyer behaviour.
How long does it take?
Training takes around 12-18 months from start to completion.
What’s the training?
Apprenticeship training is structured so that you spend most of your time learning at work and some of your time at a training centre or completing training online.
All the qualifications you gain are recognised by employers and industry professionals.
There are two levels of apprenticeship training in retail:
Level 2 Apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 2 in Sales or Telesales
- Key Skills – Communication Level 1 – Application of Number Level 1 – Improving own Learning and Performance Level 1
- Any key skill at Level 2
- Employment Rights and Responsibilities Induction Workbook
- A unit from an NVQ at Level 2 or above relevant to their job role – this could be for example from Administration, Customer Services, IT, or a more sector specific NVQ such as Motor Vehicle, Insurance, etc.
You must also achieve one of the following:
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- NVQ Level 3 in Sales or Telesales
- Technical Certificate in Sales
- Key Skills – Communication level 2 – Application of Number Level 2
- Employment Rights and Responsibilities Induction Workbook (unless already completed at Level 2)
What support will I receive?
- LAC Mentor – The London Apprenticeship Company will appoint you a mentor who will be on hand to support you throughout your apprenticeship.
- Employer Supervisor – Your Employer Supervisor or Manager will address your needs at work and be responsible for making sure your employment is appropriate to your level of skill and training requirements.
Trainer
Your trainer is responsible for making sure you are keeping up with your assignments, assessing you at work and ensuring the training they deliver meets all the industry requirements.
What happens after completion?
The three most likely progression routes will be:
- Continued employment – If you have done well in your job, your employer may offer you continued employment.
- Secure employment elsewhere – With your qualifications, experience and references in place, you will be in a great position to get a good job.
- Further training – Your apprenticeship can lead to further training such as an Advanced Apprenticeship or even university. (LAC will continue to support you if you choose to do an Advanced Apprenticeship.)