Sales executive
Level 4 · HigherSales, marketing and procurement 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Sales Executive develops and manages customer relationships to generate revenue for their employer, working across sectors such as technology, media, financial services, or manufacturing. Apprentices learn to identify customer needs, present solutions persuasively, and manage a pipeline from prospecting to closing. This level 4 qualification leads to senior account manager, business development manager, or sales team leader roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Sales methodology - prospecting, qualifying, proposing, and closing
Building and managing a sales pipeline using CRM systems
Negotiation techniques and objection handling
Understanding customer needs through questioning and listening
Product and sector knowledge relevant to your industry
Commercial awareness - pricing, margins, and contractual terms
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Prospect for new customers via phone, email, LinkedIn, and events
Qualify leads and identify genuine business opportunities
Prepare and deliver tailored proposals and presentations to clients
Negotiate pricing and contract terms with decision-makers
Maintain accurate pipeline and contact records in the CRM
Build long-term relationships with existing accounts to drive renewals
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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