How is Alistair Ward still finding his sales apprenticeship course?
We now talk to our Digital Marketing Specialist Alistair Ward, who shares his latest update on the sales apprenticeship course he is undertaking alongside colleagues Julie Jones and Sam Wheeler.
Being on the same course, Alistair is naturally in a similar position to both Julie and Sam, the former of which we spoke to last week. But as the apprenticeship rolls towards its end, how has Alistair found the past 18 months and do his thoughts differ to those of his colleagues?
1. It has been a while since we last spoke to you about your apprenticeship. Could you tell us how long you have left on the course?
We are currently working on module 6, the final module, and I will soon be ready to submit before preparation begins for End Point Assessment (EPA).
2. How has your apprenticeship helped boost your knowledge and skills in this field?
The idea of enrolling onto a sales course was initially quite daunting but overall I am very happy that I did so. Sales and marketing are naturally tied together, so it has been interesting to learn more about the process our sales team go through once they receive a new enquiry logged from ourselves in marketing.
It has also helped me take a step back in my own marketing role and ensure that our content better relates to the needs and requirements of the prospective customer. It can sometimes be very easy to talk about the functions of a particular vending machine for example, but if these aren’t going to benefit the end user then there is little point marketing them.
3. And have you noticed any benefits the course has had on you on a personal level?
I would definitely say that it has boosted my own confidence, particularly when interacting with prospects whether that’s online, through email or over the telephone. From our very first virtual workshop I knew that I would be tested outside my comfort zone, but looking back now, it has been a good thing for me.
4. What has been your favourite task/module of the apprenticeship?
I would say module 4 was my favourite, which focused on the digital tools we use at Coinadrink. I enjoyed this because it closely related to my own role, so there was lots to talk about whether that’s our online live chat or the likes of Canva Pro that we use for social content creation.
I also quite enjoyed module 3, particularly Part A of the post workshop activities that we had to submit. For this task, I was required to create a sales presentation as if I would be presenting to a prospective customer. This task helped me to think about what it is that sets us apart as a vending machine operator, which then would help me in my own day to day role in marketing.
5. Tell us a bit about how Coinadrink have helped support you throughout the course.
As ever, Coinadrink have been excellent from the very beginning. I appreciate how the team are always happy to help with anything we may need as part of the modules, such as witness testimonies or just listening to our presentations. Everyone has been happy to take time out of their day to help.
Additionally, this course hasn’t been without its challenges but the way Coinadrink has supported us to fight our corner has been a big relief at times.
6. Would you recommend an apprenticeship to a friend. If so, why?
I didn’t feel as though I would enjoy this sales apprenticeship as much as my previous digital marketing one, but the point of apprenticeships is to develop your skills and potential both professionally and personally. I would argue that, whilst it may not have matched my interests quite as much, this sales apprenticeship course has taken me out of my comfort zone far more than the digital marketing one did.
Sometimes apprenticeships can be quite daunting but if you remain committed to the programme, you can reap the rewards.
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We’re very happy that another team member continues to mould their own development through the apprenticeship opportunities we offer here at Coinadrink. There is no limit as to what anyone can achieve and Alistair, along with so many of our employees both past and present, has taken the chance to learn new skills and take on new experiences.
Next up we will be speaking to our IT Support team member Jack Westwood, who you may remember from a few months back as being one of our new starters for 2022. Head back later in the week to learn more about Jack’s learning.
Coinadrink Ltd
10-11, Maple Leaf Industrial Estate, Bloxwich Ln, Walsall WS2 8TF
01922 640777
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