National Sales Apprenticeship
The Sales Apprenticeship is a 2-year Level 6 programme targeting existing employees and new hires who want to commence, develop, and/or upskill their career in sales. The Apprenticeship combines classroom, online, and on-the job learning. This award-winning programme is an “earn and learn” model, designed to empower the apprentice with underpinning knowledge, skills and competencies required to excel as a sales specialist.
It is open to a wide range of employers, across all industry sectors, both large and small firms, on a national basis.
Key Features
2-year programme leading to a Level 6 Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Major Award
Designed by industry to suit industry needs
13 industry-focused subjects
Suitable for new hires & existing employees
The apprentice continues to work full-time in your business (84%) and attends classes (16% – 2hrs online per week + 2 classroom days every 6-8 weeks)
Key Benefits
No training costs to the employer or apprentice
€4,000 government grant available per apprentice.
Contract of employment and salary/wages are set by the employer
Suitable for all industries
Helps attract and retain sales talent
Flexible registration criteria
Blended Learning model
Available in Swinford, Co. Mayo and various locations nationwide
Course Content
Year 1
- Sales Fundamentals
- Marketing in the 21st Century
- The Psychology of Sales
- Customer Service in the Experience Economy
- Sales Forecasting and Budgeting
- Legal and Ethical Considerations for Sales
- Digital Skills for Sales
Year 2
- Sales Coaching
- Consultative Selling, Negotiation and Decision Making in Sales
- Developing Leadership Skills
- Thriving in a Multicultural Sales Environment
- Action Entrepreneurship
- Showcase Project
Award
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Sales.
Entry Requirements
• Must be employed by a SOLAS ‘Approved Employer’ and registered as an apprentice
• Aged 18 or over
• Must have Grade O6/H7 or above in 5 Leaving Certificate subjects (including Maths F2/06/H7 along with English or Irish 06/H7) or a full QQI Level 5 or higher qualification
• International applicants must present the equivalent of a full Level 5 qualification or higher
• Apprentices for whom English is not a first language must demonstrate proficiency in English and hold a minimum of a B1 CEFR or recognised equivalent
• Mature applicants aged 21 years and over without a Level 5 qualification will also be considered following an interview and submission of supporting documentation.
Next Steps
Contact the National Programme Manager, Jessica Martin, to register for one of our online information sessions. During these sessions we provide an overview of the programme content, employer grant, benefits, logistics in terms of classes, eligibility criteria, key requirements for the employer/apprentice, and the registration process.
The sessions are held on MS Teams every Tuesday (10am-11am) and are suitable for prospective employers and candidates.
Email: [email protected]
