Mercuri International are taking part in National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating a number of apprentices for our ‘5 Days of Excellence’. We are celebrating all of the hard work our learners have put into their apprenticeship and all of their success so far.
National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is the 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships.
The week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
James Peden, Sales Exec at CSR Digital is currently undertaking the Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeship. James spoke to us about his favourite part of his apprenticeship and why he decided to leave University to start his Sales role.
“I am finding the apprenticeship enjoyable and challenging, which is helping to draw the very best out of me.”
James Peden – CSR Digital
“I am currently enrolled on the Level 4 Sales Executive apprenticeship with Mercuri at CSR Digital. My role is 90% office based with a blended approach to on-the-job learning and online learning.
My favourite part of the apprenticeship is the VILT sessions, which allows me to engage with other apprentices in the same program. This is vital as I am currently the only person at CSR Digital enrolled in this program, meaning I do not engage with other sales apprentices in normal work time. Therefore, these VILT sessions are vital in mixing with other sales apprentices.
I have now been on this apprenticeship for six months, and during this time, I have learnt valuable sales skills and techniques from CSR Digital and Mercuri, which I am now using daily on the phone and in person. For me, taking an apprenticeship was a massive risk as it meant withdrawing from university and moving 180 miles. During my first year of university, I found that theory learning was not for me, and practical learning was what I needed. This led me to start to look for an apprenticeship, and as I was currently studying for a business and management degree, I decided to look at careers in sales. While I was looking, I came across this Mercuri sales apprenticeship at CSR Digital. What appealed to me was the fact it was a Level 4 qualification (the same level as I was working) which meant I could continue to work at a level I was comfortable with. As the months have gone by, I am pleased that I decided to make a move and take this apprenticeship with CSR Digital and Mercuri as it, the blended learning and support I receive from my LDC Stuart and my line manager James, is vital in ensuring that I am working at the very best I can. Overall, I would suggest any apprenticeship “wannabe” takes the plunge in the world of sales with an apprenticeship in sales with Mercuri as there is excellent support and learning and additional ways to learn new skills and grow.”
“James is always really engaged within our sessions; James always submits his work ahead of planned schedules.”
Stuart Wilson-Maher – Mercuri Learning and Development Coach
Build the future
The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2022 will be ‘build the future’; reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with future-ready skills.
