Sales Apprenticeships
Interested in sales but unsure about how to get started? A sales apprenticeship will give you all the experience and skills you need to launch a successful career. Read our guide to find out more about sales apprenticeships and how you can bag your dream role.
Can you do an apprenticeship in sales?
Absolutely! Sales apprenticeships are your chance to combine real work experience with study. Here’s how it works.
You’ll spend most of your week (around four days) learning on the job, with one day where you’ll focus on your studies and check in with your programme mentor to make sure you’re on track. By the time you’ve finished, you’ll have a nationally-recognised qualification, loads of skills and plenty of work experience.
The best part? Sales is always evolving. So by doing an apprenticeship, you’ll be staying up-to-date with training, which will keep you ahead of the game (and the competition too.)
Here’s what one apprentice got up to during their time at Lionweld Kennedy Group:
My role is very diverse and I complete many tasks such as estimating customers enquiries and then quoting them and converting that to an order. It also involves me taking on doing reports for management and issuing paperwork to the correct people whilst also regularly helping with any tasks at hand from a colleagues request. I really enjoy my apprenticeship as it has taught me a lot about the workplace and what I can do to better myself and my career. Sales Administration Apprentice, Lionweld Kennedy Group
What happens during a sales apprenticeship?
As a sales apprentice, your responsibilities depend on the industry you’re working in. Let’s break it down.
Technology. Selling software, hardware and IT solutions to businesses
Finance. Helping customers with banking, insurance or investment products
Retail. Working with big brands in fashion, electronics or homeware
Healthcare. Selling medical equipment or pharmaceutical products
Manufacturing. Promoting industrial equipment and business solutions
Automotive. Selling cars, parts or related services.
No matter which path you take, you’ll spend your time building relationships with customers, understanding what they need and showing them how your products can help.
You’ll also broaden your knowledge of computer systems and learn how IT actually drives businesses behind the scenes.
How long does a sales apprenticeship take?
It all depends on which level you choose. Let’s break it down:
Level 2 (Intermediate): 12 to 18 months
Great if you’ve just finished your GCSEs and want to jump right to work. You'll learn how to help customers, understand products and pick up basic selling skills. To get on a Level 2 apprenticeship, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old and have a genuine interest in sales.
Level 3 (Advanced): Two years
Perfect for building on what you already know. You'll step up your sales strategies, client relationship management and business development knowledge. You’ll need five GCSEs graded 9 to 4 (A* to C) or have completed a Level 2 apprenticeship to get on a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Level 4 and 5 (Higher): Three to four years
Here you'll learn how to lead a sales team, plan ahead and manage people. To get on a Level 4/5 apprenticeship, you’ll need at least two A-Levels or similar (like a Level 3 apprenticeship, BTEC or similar).
Level 6 and 7 (Degree): Three to five years
The big boss of apprenticeships. You'll learn how to run big sales operations, understand business strategy and work towards becoming a senior leader. You’ll need three A-Levels between A* to C (or similar) to get a degree apprenticeship.
Is a sales apprenticeship worth it?
Definitely. Sales apprenticeships give you a direct route into an exciting career without any uni debt. You’ll earn while you learn and gain practical skills that can’t be taught in the classroom.
There’s so much room to grow, too. Sales roles often come with progression opportunities. You could become a supervisor or a manager, or even use all the skills you’ve learned to start your own business.
Where can you do a sales apprenticeship?
Whatever your interests and career goals are, you’ll find sales apprenticeships everywhere. Whether it’s working in a sales team for a small local business or a huge international company.
Ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a sales apprentice?
I massively enjoyed my programme. I have learnt and developed many skills. One major skill I have developed is communication as I have been given the opportunity many times to discuss my thoughts and ideas to customers and the team, which has enabled me to develop my communication massively. Sales Apprentice, Cisco
There’s loads more where that came from too. Click below for apprentice-written reviews.
Read ReviewsWhat skills do you need for sales apprenticeships?
Sales is a people-focused career. So you’ll need to have strong communication skills. While not incredibly important, it helps to be outgoing and good in social situations as you’ll spend a lot of time getting to know people and developing relationships.
Here’s some of the top soft skills you need for success:
Confidence. Sales is reliant on your confidence, and sometimes sales don’t go through. It’s important to be able to believe in your abilities and move on to the next sale.
Active listening. Listening to and meeting a customer’s needs is so important. It’ll help you close deals and build trust.
Organisation. You’ll deal with multiple accounts, follow up on leads and track project progress, so it’s crucial to keep on top of every task you have going on. Your brain will be thankful!
Problem solving. Not every sale is the same and every customer has different needs, so you’ll need to be able to handle that and be proactive.
The best part is, you already have a lot of these skills already. Group projects, presentations and even being in after school clubs are a great way of developing these skills without even realising it. You’ll also spend loads of time developing them during your apprenticeship.
How much does a sales apprentice earn?
Working in sales can earn you some serious cash. Being target-driven, wages tend to be commission-based. So the more you sell, the bigger your bonus, the more you’ll earn.
As an apprentice, you’ll get paid for:
Your normal working hours
Any training that’s part of your apprenticeship
Extra courses you might have to take, for example, maths and English.
Your salary depends on your apprenticeship and your employer. As an apprentice, you’ll earn the National Minimum Wage for apprentices, but loads of employers much more.
You’ll begin your career on around £23,000 a year. But as you become experienced, your pay will increase and before you know it you’ll be taking home between £40,000 and £70,000 per year.
How to apply
Applications usually open in the autumn (around September), but you’ll find loads of employers looking for apprentices throughout the year. Spaces in apprenticeships with large companies are super popular and fill up fast, so you’ll need to be quick with your application.
Once you’ve found the apprenticeship you’re interested in (or more), you’ll need an apprenticeship CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor them for each scheme you apply for and don’t forget to include any customer service experience or teamwork projects you’ve done.
Ready to get started?
Find a sales apprenticeship
Smart Metering Level 2 Apprenticeship
at Centrica
- Level 2 Apprenticeship
- £16,053 (rising to £19,493 at week 28, £22,932 (typically) at week 35, £25,485 at week 52, £32,861 (typically) at week 60.)
- Carlisle, Dagenham, Dartford, Enfield, Greenwich, London + 10 more.
Audit Apprenticeship - Nationwide
at KPMG
- Higher Level Apprenticeship
- £24,000 (up to £26,250)
- Nationwide
CAD Technician Higher Apprenticeship 2026 - Scotland
- Higher Level Apprenticeship
- Grangemouth, Scotland
Register for job alerts.
It’s FREE!
Sign up now to save your favourite job listings and view them in your personalised application tracker.
Already have an account? Sign in
