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The National Sales Academy, the first sector based academy focusing specifically on sales skills, has been appointed as the sole strategic partner to learndirect to deliver accredited sales apprenticeships throughout the UK.
Through this partnership businesses can access fully funded accredited learning for existing staff who are eligible between the ages of 16-23, with a contribution required towards the professional development of learners over 24 years old.
The sales apprenticeship is relatively new to the apprenticeship framework and focuses specifically upon core sales skills. It is currently delivered at Levels 2 and 3 suitable for entry-level sales workforce and also aspiring or existing team managers (Level 3). It teaches the fundamental sales skills and, for experienced sales personnel, it develops more comprehensive skills in terms of strategic decision making within a business and managing a team.
Students have the option to choose selling face-to-face or selling by telephone (inbound or outbound) and build the qualification around their specific job role thereby teaching or enhancing relevant skills.
The sales qualification also develops many other transferable skills, such as communication, negotiation, listening and analytic skills. These skills can support a career in other related roles such as customer services and retail.
The sales apprenticeship has been deployed by businesses within the contact centre, business services, media, financial services, hospitality and telecommunications sectors.
Heather Carter, National Sales Academy founder believes that there are rewarding careers to be had in sales and is passionate about improving professionalism in the sector. She said: “Sales is a skill best learnt through practical application in the workplace. It is massively important that young people feel valued and involved and that their skills are recognised and accredited.”
Gareth James, sales director apprentices at learndirect said: “We recognise the value and specialised nature of sales skills and believe together with the National Sales Academy we can help individuals build exciting careers in the sales sector.”
For information visit www.nsa-eu.org or contact the National Sales Academy employer engagement team on .