At Consalia, we’re passionate about shaping the future of sales as a profession.
Sales has transformed significantly in recent years, evolving from a focus on transactional deals to a more consultative, value-driven approach (and in our experience, values-driven approach).
Yet, many salespeople find themselves underprepared for this shift. This is why we’ve partnered with Middlesex University to deliver our Level 6 B2B Sales Professional Degree Apprenticeship, a groundbreaking programme designed to equip early career sales professionals with the skills, mindsets and behaviours needed to thrive in today’s market.
The apprenticeship offers a way for those looking to get into sales to get a degree while gaining practical experience and earning a salary. By combining rigorous academic frameworks with practical, on-the-job learning through work-based learning, participants gain tools, strategies, and mindsets that transform how they approach sales. Here’s why this programme is a game-changer for the sales profession.
We recently held an insight session exploring Siemens’ apprenticeship journey. Consalia’s Academy Director Dr Louise Sutton was joined by Siemens apprentices Lucas Laurie and Mike Eastham, along with Johnny Mathieson, Early Career Professional’s Manager at Siemens, to share their reflections on the programme.
Lucas explained how the programme helped him progress from understanding the fundamentals of sales in the first year to applying advanced strategies by the third year. He reflects:
“Year one gave us a brilliant foundation: what is B2B sales, and what does it mean to deliver value? By year three, it was about creating profitability not just for our business, but also for our customers.”
For Mike, the apprenticeship reinforced the importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences. “The main takeaway for me has been the importance of the sales mindsets: Authenticity, Customer-Centricity, and delivering value” he says. These are lessons he has embedded into his daily work, ensuring he doesn’t just sell a product but solves problems and co-creates success with his customers.
Why Employers Should Consider a Sales Apprenticeship Programme
The apprenticeship doesn’t just benefit the individual, though; it drives tangible results for employers too. With over 90% of our apprentices promoted to more senior positions during or after the programme,* the benefits are clear: improved talent retention, enhanced capabilities, and more confident, motivated sales teams.
Siemens has seen this transformation first-hand. The programme’s work-based learning structure has enabled apprentices to apply their knowledge directly to real-world projects. For example, Mike’s engagement with Siemens’ ‘Turn the Dial’ customer experience initiative was inspired by insights gained during the programme. His contributions not only supported Siemens’ business goals but also highlighted the value of aligning sales practices with customer outcomes.
Johnny Mathieson highlighted the profound benefits of the B2B Sales Degree Apprenticeship from an organisational perspective. Beyond individual development, Siemens has seen how these programmes strengthen business results.
“Apprenticeships are an investment in more than just skills. They foster loyalty, improve retention, and encourage creative thinking. These factors translate into measurable value for the organisation,” Johnny explained.
The apprenticeship is not just an investment in an employee’s future—it’s a strategic initiative that drives organisational growth. By supporting their teams through this programme, employers are creating a workforce that is agile, reflective, and future-ready.
The Impact on Apprentices’ Careers
One of the most distinctive aspects of the B2B Sales Degree Apprenticeship is its emphasis on applying theoretical learning to practical challenges. Every module concludes with a work-based assignment, giving apprentices the chance to address real-world business problems. For instance, Mike’s involvement in the ‘Turn the Dial’ intitiative mentioned above came after completing a module on customer experience.
Mike’s engagement didn’t stop at theory - he actively presented his findings internally and to customers, demonstrating the direct value apprenticeships bring to organisational strategy.
It’s about finding actionable insights that make a difference for our customers and for Siemens,” he noted.
Apprentices consistently tell us that the programme is life-changing - not just professionally but personally. Reflective practice, a core part of the apprenticeship, helps participants evaluate their approaches and improve their decision-making.
“Reflective practice is woven into everything we do.” said Lucas. “It’s given me the ability to think critically about my actions and align them with my customers’ needs. The impact is tangible - not just in my sales figures, but in the relationships I’ve built.”
For Mike, the shift from a product-focused approach to a customer-centric one has been transformative. He explains:
“Siemens used to focus heavily on selling the features of our products. The apprenticeship taught me the importance of delivering value to customers and creating great experiences. That’s how you build trust and loyalty.”
This focus on reflective practice and customer-centricity doesn’t just lead to better outcomes for the business. It creates a ripple effect across teams. Apprentices become catalysts for change, influencing colleagues and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Why the B2B Sales Degree Apprenticeship Matters for the Wider Industry
At Consalia, we believe sales deserves the recognition of a true profession, with structured development pathways and accredited qualifications. Our Level 6 B2B Sales Degree Apprenticeship is helping to elevate sales, equipping individuals with the tools and values they need to to meet modern customer expectations.
Consalia CEO Dr. Philip Squire’s research underscores the urgency of this transformation. His findings revealed that only 10% of salespeople sell in a way customers prefer, emphasising the gap between outdated practices and today’s needs. By embedding values like Authenticity, Customer-centricity, pProactive Creativity and Tactful Audacity into our apprenticeships, we ensure our graduates are not just better salespeople - they are trusted advisors to their customers.
For sales professionals, this programme offers more than a qualification. It’s a journey of self-discovery, skill-building and transformation. For employers, it’s an opportunity to future-proof their sales teams, improve customer satisfaction and achieve sustainable growth.
If you want to invest in your sales team and unlock their potential, there has never been a better time to explore the benefits of a degree apprenticeship. Together, we can transform the future of sales, one apprentice at a time!
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Are you ready to discover how a sales apprenticeship can transform your organisation? Learn more about our B2B Sales Degree Apprenticeship here.
*Based on our internal tracking of student progress, recording promotions during and after the programme