Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) welcomed Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Niall Collins, TD today (10th March 2022) where he launched the new National Sales Apprenticeship in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim.
Speaking at the event today Minister Collins said “This is exactly the type of world-class apprenticeship this country needs as we aim to deliver sustainable, well-paid careers to our workers while providing employers with people who have the skills to compete with the best. Sales in an integral part of most companies, but to do it successfully requires skills and experience. With this apprenticeship, we are delivering on both of those requirements, and providing learners with a wonderful starting point for a successful and fulfilling career. The programme is truly cutting edge and I would encourage all employers involved in selling to consider taking on a sales apprentice.”
This new generation apprenticeship was developed as part of the national strategy to address existing and future skills needs in Ireland by Increasing the number and range of apprenticeships.
Tom Grady, Chief Executive, MSLETB stated “The Sales Apprenticeship is a programme designed by industry for industry and will support industry by providing a sustainable stream of skilled, professionally qualified long-term employees for the sector”
The programme which runs over a two-year period is delivered nationally in a number of locations using a blend of online delivery, face-to-face classes, and work-based learning in an organisation in which the apprentice is employed. Upon successful completion, the apprentice is awarded a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Sales.
Commenting today, Ger Teahon, CEO SalesSense International and Chair of the Sales Consortium Steering Group said “Over the past twenty years the required skillset of sales specialists have evolved and changed. Our Sales Apprenticeship has successfully captured the necessary skills required while simultaneously responding to the demands of a modern ever-changing marketplace”
This programme will use a variety of learning methodologies to deliver this industry-led and driven programme. Working with industry partners and supported by MSLETB the programme has been developed to train aspiring sales specialists to become competent in the many skills required by industry. This apprenticeship will support industry by providing a sustainable stream of skilled, professionally qualified long-term employees to build their careers in the sales sector.
Commenting on the importance of employer participation in the development of national apprenticeships Philip Sheridan, Manager, Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning, SOLAS pointed to the “significant contribution employers make to the programme” and also about the introduction of an annual grant of €2,000 for employers who employ apprentices in one of the 37 apprenticeships, which have been established since 2016.
The 5th group of sales apprentices commenced the programme in February 2022. The next intake is scheduled for September 2022 and is currently open for registrations.
For more information about the National Sales Apprenticeship programme, to become an approved employer or to register an apprentice, email [email protected]
