Opportunity information
Salary £22000 per year
Duration 15 months
Advert closing date 06/09/2026
Description
We are looking for an ambitious, enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to join our Business Development team as a Sales Executive Apprentice. This is an exciting opportunity to develop a career in sales while gaining a nationally recognised L4 Sales Executive qualification.
We are looking for someone who has a background in the outdoors to specialise in the growth of our outdoor sector. Ideally, experience or knowledge of outdoor education, a passion for the outdoors, through training or sports with an understanding of the challenges the sector faces and how apprenticeships can support businesses through upskilling staff or adding to teams. The successful candidate will play an important role in growing employer partnerships, promoting apprenticeship programmes and supporting organisations to develop their people through learning and skills development.
As a Sales Executive Apprentice, you will learn how to identify opportunities, build meaningful employer relationships and support businesses in understanding the value of apprenticeships. Working closely with experienced colleagues, you will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become a successful sales professional.
Key responsibilities:
Business Development & Sales
- Identify and engage with prospective employer partners across priority sectors.
- Generate new business opportunities through prospecting, networking, referrals and digital engagement.
- Support the development and management of a sales pipeline using Hubspot CRM system.
- Arrange and attend employer meetings, both virtually and face-to-face.
- Research organisations and understand their workforce development needs.
- Present apprenticeship programmes and skills solutions confidently and professionally.
- Prepare tailored proposals and solutions aligned to employer objectives.
- Support contract discussions and apprenticeship onboarding processes.
- Follow up enquiries and maintain regular contact with prospective and existing employers.
Relationship Management
- Build positive and trusted relationships with employers.
- Deliver an outstanding customer experience from first contact through to programme enrolment.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure a smooth learner and employer journey.
- Gather employer feedback and market intelligence to support service improvement.
Marketing & Market Intelligence
- Support campaigns that raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities.
- Identify trends within local and regional labour markets.
- Share intelligence and insights with colleagues to contribute to strategic growth plans.
- Promote the Skern Skills brand across networking events, employer forums and community activities.
Hours: 32 hours per week - Salary: £22,000 - Location: Home Based. Preferably in Hampshire/Wiltshire/Sailsbury areas
Why join Skern Skills?
- Be part of an organisation committed to creating positive life change through learning.
- Access a wide range of CPD opportunities tailored to support your professional growth.
- Competitive holiday allowance, with the option to purchase additional unpaid leave.
- Receive extra annual leave after two years' continuous service.
- Access online GP appointments, prescriptions and physiotherapy for you and your dependants.
- Enjoy 50% off stays at our residential centres for you and your family.
- Free, confidential counselling and wellbeing support.
Entry requirements
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A genuine interest in sales, business development and relationship building.
- Confidence speaking with a range of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
- Good digital skills and confidence using Microsoft Office applications.
- Willingness to travel across the South West , with a focus on the South and West Midlands region when required.
- Commitment to achieving the Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship.
Desirable
- Previous experience in customer service, hospitality, outdoors retail or sales experience.
- Understanding of apprenticeships or workforce development.
- Familiarity with CRM systems.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Training to be provided
Throughout your apprenticeship, you will develop expertise in:
- Sales planning and pipeline management.
- Customer engagement and relationship development.
- Consultative selling and needs analysis.
- Presenting solutions and handling objections.
- Negotiation and closing techniques.
- Market research and commercial awareness.
- Digital sales and CRM systems.
- Customer experience management.
- Collaborative working across internal and external stakeholders.
Things to consider
This is a home based role.
Preferred Locations: Hampshire/Wiltshire/ Salisbury areas
Skills required
Array
Future prospects
Once you have successfully completed your apprenticeship there may be the opportunity for a permanent position.
Hours per week 32
Working week Monday - Friday
Apprenticeship standard Sales executive (Level 4)
Bideford, Devon, United Kingdom, EX39 1NG
