A ground-breaking recruitment initiative is underway to diversify sales talent beyond typical degree holders.
- Flourish, a new venture by Apprentify, seeks talented individuals irrespective of their educational background.
- Sarah Skelton, with over 20 years of experience, leads the initiative to tap into diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
- The programme emphasises both skill development and mental well-being, with coaching available.
- Jonathan Fitchew highlights the continuous support framework offered to candidates throughout their employment journey.
Flourish is a bold new programme launched by Apprentify to revolutionise how talent is identified and nurtured in the sales industry. This initiative is grounded in the belief that talent should not be limited to traditional university graduates, but should instead include individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and those considering a career change.
Sarah Skelton, a veteran with more than two decades of experience in training and mentoring, heads this new venture. Skelton, frustrated by the industry’s narrow focus on typical university graduates, aims to address the loss of potential talent that does not fit the conventional mould of a salesperson. She emphasises the importance of accommodating varied personalities and backgrounds to harness a wider pool of talent.
Flourish distinguishes itself by providing comprehensive grounding in essential sales techniques while recognising the crucial role of mental well-being in this profession. It offers one-to-one coaching aimed at enhancing resilience and confidence among candidates, recognising these as key challenges faced by first-time sales professionals who may not fit the stereotypical roles.
This programme is not limited to merely placing talent; it also commits to supporting individuals throughout their first year of employment. This involves hands-on coaching and skills development, ensuring that candidates are not only prepared for the job but are also given the tools to thrive and grow within their chosen field.
Jonathan Fitchew, the CEO of Apprentify Group, underscores the unique continuous support framework outlined by Flourish. According to Fitchew, the commitment to support does not end with employment—rather, Flourish continues to assist in further growth and ensuring that both employees and employers gain lasting benefits.
Flourish is poised to make a significant impact on recruitment practices by broadening diversity and enhancing support within the sales industry.