Sales Apprenticeship

The Sales Apprenticeship is an earn-and-learn programme where you work full-time with an employer in business-to-business (B2B) sales while completing off-the-job training delivered by a designated education provider. You develop skills in prospecting, managing a sales pipeline, negotiating contracts, and building lasting client relationships. Specialisms naturally emerge depending on your employer's sector — common placements include pharmaceutical sales, technology solutions, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). A typical week combines hitting call and meeting targets at work, attending workshops or online learning sessions, and completing portfolio evidence for assessment. You also learn how to use CRM software, analyse sales data, and present proposals to clients professionally.

Entry to the Sales Apprenticeship is through an employer rather than the CAO. You typically need a Leaving Certificate or equivalent, and most employers look for at least five passes including English; some prefer Higher-level English or Business. Strong communication and numeracy skills are valued, so subjects like Business, Economics, or Maths are useful. There are no fixed CAO points — selection is by employer interview and suitability for a sales role. Mature applicants (23+) or those with relevant work experience in retail, customer service, or marketing are also welcomed. If you hold a QQI Level 5 certificate in Sales, Marketing, or Business, this can strengthen your application to employer partners.

The outlook for sales professionals in Ireland is consistently strong, with B2B sales roles among the most in-demand positions listed on Irish recruitment platforms. Employers across pharma, tech, and FMCG actively seek candidates with formal sales qualifications combined with practical experience, which this apprenticeship delivers directly. Apprentices who perform well during the programme frequently receive permanent positions with their sponsoring employer upon completion. Earning potential grows quickly with experience, with entry-level roles typically starting around €30,000–€38,000 gross per annum and experienced account managers earning €50,000–€70,000 or more, often with commission on top.