Occupational Profile
The Level 3 IT Technical Salesperson Apprenticeship is part of the Digital Industries Apprenticeship Standards, designed by industry experts for apprentices working across a wide range of organisations in the public, private, and voluntary sectors. The specific job role of each apprentice may vary significantly depending on the employer, offering flexibility and relevance across industries.
This programme is designed to motivate apprentices to achieve their best—not just meet minimum standards. High-impact assessments, such as the synoptic project, provide clear performance goals and encourage excellence. The assessment process adds value for both apprentices and employers by aligning with existing performance management tools and promoting continuous professional development. It also supports progression through links to professional qualifications and industry recognition.
Technical Competencies
Apprentices will develop a broad set of technical and professional skills, including:
- Communication: Works independently and collaboratively, following organisational codes of practice. Communicates effectively in writing and speech across all levels using appropriate tools.
- Customer Experience: Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and cultural awareness. Focuses on customer satisfaction and relationship management during sales operations and requirement gathering.
- Data Security: Operates securely in line with legislation and organisational policies. Records, analyses, and communicates data using standard tools throughout all sales interactions.
- Problem Solving: Applies structured techniques to troubleshoot and resolve issues. Selects appropriate tools and methods in line with organisational guidance for both sales and routine tasks.
- Sales Qualification: Assesses and qualifies leads by understanding client needs and recommending suitable products, tools, and techniques.
- Project Management: Works flexibly under pressure, managing time, workflow, priorities, and projects independently and within teams.
- Legislation Compliance: Understands and follows key legislation including:
- Health and Safety
- Data Protection Act 1998
- Sales of Goods Act 1979
- Sales Process: Conducts all sales-related tasks professionally, maintaining brand integrity and company image. Handles negotiations, objections, and closing sales with market and competitor awareness.
- Technical Knowledge: Understands and explains the organisation’s technical portfolio and systems. Utilises current hardware and operating systems effectively.
- Database & Campaign Management: Maintains an up-to-date contact database. Prioritises outreach to consumers and prospects in line with organisational strategy.
- Context & CPD: Identifies and negotiates personal development opportunities within the wider business context. Understands how their role connects to others in the organisation.
Benefits to Employers
Employing an apprentice through this programme offers tangible advantages:
- Remote Delivery Option: Flexible delivery models allow training to be tailored to your operational needs, including remote learning and support.
- Early Access to Emerging Talent: Observe potential recruits in action, gaining insight into their performance and potential before making long-term hiring decisions.
- Inclusive Recruitment: Access a broader, more diverse pool of young learners, helping to build inclusive teams and bring fresh perspectives into your organisation.
Duration
This apprenticeship lasts 12 months, not including the End Point Assessment (EPA) period.
Career Pathways
Upon completion, apprentices may progress into roles such as:
- Sales Associate
- Sales Consultant
- Sales Engineer
- Entry-Level Customer Support
- Technical Retail Assistant
- Technical Tele Sales
- Junior Account Manager
Progression is also available to advanced or higher apprenticeships at Level 3, 4, or 5.
Delivery Model
Training is delivered primarily in the workplace, with at least 6 hours per week dedicated to off-the-job learning. An assessor will regularly visit to observe tasks and conduct professional discussions.
Remote Delivery Option: Training can also be tailored to your operational needs, including remote learning and support.
Apprentices will receive access to an online portfolio to track progress and submit evidence.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
The EPA consists of four components, each graded as Fail, Pass, or Distinction:
- A Portfolio
- A Project
- An Employer Reference
- A Structured Interview with an Assessor
Candidates for this course should be working in a related sector.
All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. If you have experience or previous knowledge that will support your application please remember to include it. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths, aged 16-18, will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.
Under new rules, apprentices aged 19 and over will no longer be required to achieve a Level 2 functional skills qualification in English and Maths to complete their apprenticeship. Although, the decision will be at the employers discretion, and apprentices are encouraged to discuss these requirements with their employer or training provider.
As an employer that doesn’t pay the apprenticeship levy, you pay just 5% towards the cost of training and assessing an apprentice.
The government will pay the rest up to the funding band maximum.
You’ll pay the training provider directly and agree on a payment schedule.
If you employ fewer than 50 employees, the government will pay 100% of the apprenticeship training costs up to the funding band maximum for apprentices aged:
- 16 to 21
- 19 to 24 with an education, health and care plan provided by their local authority or has been in the care of their local authority
Paying employer National Insurance contributions
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for an apprentice, if the apprentice is:
- under 25 years old
- on an approved UK government apprenticeship standard or framework (these can differ depending on country)
- earns less than £967 a week (£50,270 a year)
The apprentice, as an employee, will continue to pay Class 1 insurance contributions through their salary, this will only benefit the employer.
Read HMRC’s guidance on paying National Insurance contributions.