Sales Apprentice Review

I am a Sales Apprentice here at Softcat and I cover the Corporate Sector. On a day to day basis I do a lot of cold calling, prospecting for new Business, keeping up to date with my coursework, researching into new prospects and attending lot of training to help me with my job role.

I have learn’t lots of things since starting my apprenticeship at Softcat. I have learnt how to become more independent, how IT works, how to work with customers, vendors and distributors. I have also learnt the importance of networking and Softcat have given me all the tools needed to excel in my career with them and beyond. The skills I have learn’t will stick with me forever and will definitely be transferable.

I am genuinely loving the programme I am currently on and genuinely feel like I have found a job that I genuinely love and want to stay working for, for a long time to come! This apprenticeship fits exactly what I was looking for and expecting. I know that I am receiving great support in my current apprenticeship scheme and I also know that Softcat will continue on this support after I finish this Apprenticeship.

The scheme is very structured, we all know exactly what we need to do in order to get the grades we are aiming for. We also know exactly when we have training and with who with lots of time in advance. On the apprenticeship scheme at Softcat we all get frequent feedback so we know where we currently are and also know what we need to do to further push ourselves. This is very structured by having regular training and 1 to 1’s with our managers on at least a monthly basis.

As I said in some of the previous questions asked, Softcat are very supportive with everything in which we do! As an example, I was experiencing some difficulties outside of work and Softcat supported me all the way and offered me help and support along my whole journey. In terms of work I have regular 1 to 1’s where I can freely discuss how I am getting on and any difficulties I am experiencing. From there my manager will discuss how I can move forward and progress, we then regularly review this to ensure I am on track which is great!

Remit provide a fantastic level of service and support for Softcat. As an example, our provider set up a whole day for us to drop in and get help or support with anything we need help with. This was a day where he was supposed to be in the Office doing admin work but he took time out to help us!

The training and qualification that we receive really help me with in my job role, this is because the coursework and exams that we do actually relate to our job role. This means that I can take a step back from my actual job and look at how far I have come and review the way I am doing things in my job. It also gives me a chance to reflect on what I can improve on and I can then implement this into my job.

Softcat host a whole load of extra-curricular activities outside of work and a lot of these are for great causes. As an example, Softcat host charity events for us to decide if we want to attend or not. As an example, we are having our ‘May Ball’ soon which is open to our employees, distributors and Vendors. All the money raised also goes to Charity!

Yes

The opportunities and progression that is offered here at Softcat is award winning in itself! Softcat offer flexible working and really care about their people. I would recommend their apprenticeship schemes to anyone looking to start a career with both IT sales and any other Admin Roles due to the support and progression opportunities here at Softcat. As an example, I could become an apprentice manager after just 2 years of joining as an apprentice myself!

If you are successful in getting the job genuinely take every opportunity thrown your way and get to know as many people as you can along your journey. I would also say to be prepared to work very hard although, it is definitely worth it as the rewards reflect the hard work you put in!