Elevating teams to new heights with the Level 4 Sales Apprenticeship

BMS Progress
Improve Performance, Progress Careers

Offering opportunities for sales personnel

Global paints and coatings pioneer, AkzoNobel, reached out to BMS Progress to enhance their sales team's performance across the board, opting for our Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship.

AkzoNobel

With a keen focus on sustainability, and strong ambitions to be a global industry-leading brand, AkzoNobel has produced coatings for a range of products for over 200 years.

Here, key account manager Louise Wheatley, details how the Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship with BMS Progress supported her career transition.

"Onboarding was a straightforward and engaging process. I’ve found Sarah in particular to be incredibly helpful as my development coach, she’s been great at assisting me throughout the course with extra tools and insight. I really couldn’t recommend this apprenticeship enough."

Louise Wheatley
:
Key Account Manager
BMS Progress - The challenge

The Objectives

Initially, I worked in architecture before I moved into the sales sphere. I didn’t have any formal sales qualifications – my overriding aim was to enhance my skill set and formalise my experience in the industry.

Develop my skill set

Broadening my skill set was a no-brainer. It’s important to be able to see beyond what's right in front of you, which you can often get caught up in. I knew that this apprenticeship would enable me to think outside the box, conduct more critical and creative thinking, and open up new connections.

Gain a qualification

Having enjoyed sales for quite a while, I felt it was time to immerse myself in this world even more, and get my teeth stuck into this learning journey.

BMS Progress - The solution

The Solution

I started the Level 4 Sales Apprenticeship in September 2021. From day one, the BMS team not only provided me with opportunities to develop my sales skills, they also gave me unparalleled support both professionally and personally.

Alternate types of learning

Throughout the course, I was presented with plenty of alternative learning opportunities and methods. My development coach Sarah and I had numerous conversations that led to the discovery of podcasts and blink lists (15-minute book summaries) to help me progress without having to do lots of heavy reading.

Unrivalled support

Sarah provided fantastic support on both a professional and personal level. She helped me to be strategic, as well as effectively engage with processes and colleagues.

BMS Progress - The result

The Result

In undertaking this apprenticeship, I’ve been able to look beyond my typical tasks and explore different areas of the business. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet colleagues from other divisions, which has improved my understanding of the organisation as a whole.

Alternative criteria and assignments

Whilst sales has been the core of this apprenticeship, I’ve also been able to develop my knowledge of finance, marketing, supply chains and more. This has broadened my insight into the day-to-day running of the company.

Attending ISP events

I was given the opportunity to attend an event in London, which looked beyond sales, and featured talks from retired tennis player, Marius Barnard and managing director of Brother UK, Phil Jones. It was incredibly engaging and uplifting, because in a typically male-dominated industry, we heard talks from female leaders too.

How can BMS Progress help you?

Want to find out more? Whether it’s about a specific programme,  apprenticeship standard or just about us and how we work, our team is always on hand to help. Simply get in touch using the button below and we will endeavour to answer your questions.

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Want to take advantage of the Apprenticeship Levy, or simply foster the next generation of talent? You’ll need to ensure that the curriculum is tailored to your needs and aligned with your values.