Sales Executive Apprentice Settles In
With sales on the up, we check in with our Sales Executive Apprentice Andy, to see how he’s settling in.
Q: Tell us a bit about the apprenticeship course that you are studying…
A: My course is divided into several sections, as well as a review with my trainer every month, who assesses my progress. The main section he marks is called a "professional discussion". This is where he provides me with roughly 8 questions around a specific subject, for example, our products and services. I then have to prepare an answer. During our sessions, he records me answering the questions, and he will try to throw me off by challenging my answers!
Another section of the course I have to complete is revision topics, for example, researching different time management techniques or marketing strategies.
I also have to complete online quizzes about these topics and watch lots of videos. These can take a rather long time to go through!
In addition, there are online events that I need to attend. These are like workshops, where it is me and other students from different companies around the UK. We have to go through different scenarios and answer questions. I have only done 1 of these so far, and it was about Customer Knowledge.
Q: How have you been able to apply what you have studied to your work?
It is very useful because the course is broken down into different topics, like products, customer knowledge and commercials, and financials. So, I am learning lots about different aspects of business and applying them to Hogs Back. Also, being put on the spot during our Discussions is a great way to prepare myself for being face-to-face with an actual customer.
Q: What is it like being in the field?
My sales area is down south of the brewery, beginning around the Bordon area, all the way down to the coast. I am visiting a wide range of venues, mainly focusing on pubs at the moment. I am trying to find the pubs that are not owned by larger pub companies, as these are pubs I am able to sell to directly. I also feel like I learn the most going into these pubs, as I have to negotiate pricing and products. I spend 4 days out on the road and 1 day either in the office or working from home to complete my apprenticeship work.
Q: What’s on the agenda over the next few months?
Over the next few months, I will be going through my area, trying to pick up as much new business as possible. I have just set up a planner so I can cover my area over 5 weeks. There is still so much for me to learn, but I am slowly getting there! The team around me are all incredibly helpful, and always there if I have any questions!
Andy is certainly making a great start to his career here at the Brewery and we’re sure he’ll make a stellar salesman!
To keep up to date with all the news from the Hogs Back Brewery, sign up to our newsletter below to get 10% off your first online beer order and follow us @HogsBackBrewery on X, Facebook and Instagram.