The National Sales Apprenticeship is a two-year “earn and learn” programme, which leads to a recognised QQI qualification – a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Sales.
Siobhan Magner, National Programme Manager states that they are very proud of this programme which commenced in September 2020 in the midst of the pandemic.
"We currently have over 50 employers who have registered apprentices with us. 84% of the programme is delivered via a structured training programme within a workplace environment with the remaining 16% delivered via online learning and face-to-face workshops offering flexibility to the employer and the apprentice. We are currently recruiting for our 6th intake which is scheduled to commence in June and 7th intake scheduled to commence in October," she said.
Who better to speak about the programme than two of the apprentices.
Heather Mordecai, 1 st Year Apprentice, Connolly’s Motor Group
“I joined the company three months ago and although it’s been a challenge, I couldn’t be happier. I came into the job not knowing much about cars and having not worked a day in my life in sales! Nevertheless, this has not been an obstacle, and this is as a result of having had non-stop support throughout this whole experience so far from my colleagues in Connolly Motor Group (including my designated workplace mentor ) and the team in Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLET ).
"We commenced the programme with a one-week online induction programme, which prepared us for our classes, trained us on the relevant IT systems, and gave us the opportunity to meet other sales apprentices. With face-to-face classes being on hold for the moment due to Covid-19 all our classes have been delivered online.
"However, our lecturers have been so great, keeping us, all engaged during class and delivering relevant material, which we can bring back to the workplace. As well as this being a paid apprenticeship, upon successful completion of the two-year programme, I will gain a recognised QQI qualification – a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Sales.”
Daniel McGaugh, 2 nd Year Sales Apprentice, McGaugh’s Garden Centre, Galway
I was offered a place in college in Galway after my Leaving Certificate in 2020 but I had also heard about the sales apprenticeship from a member of my family. My friends chose the college route however I preferred the combination of the practical work experience and the study that the apprenticeship offered.
I was never a fan of study however now I am developing valuable skills which assist me in work every day and I also will get a recognised qualification from QQI - a Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Sales. As well as that, there are no college fees to pay.
I get to meet many other sales people from a variety of companies in Ireland and we get to share our ideas while in class which often means getting ideas for our own company. Our projects and assessments are interesting as we can base them on the company or the industry, we work in.
I work in a family business and this apprenticeship gives me the opportunity to work in a very busy environment as well as taking some time off during the week to study whilst getting paid to do it!
For further information
relating to the programme please contact [email protected]
