Philip Morris Limited Launches Sales Apprenticeship Scheme across UK

Philip Morris Limited (PML) has launched its first apprenticeship scheme, ‘embark’, which will grow and develop their sales function in four English cities: Nottingham; Northampton; Sheffield and London.

PML is committed to achieving a smoke-free future in the UK by replacing cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives as soon as possible, for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke. To help realise the smoke free vision across the country, the scheme is aimed at recruiting those who want to drive change in their community, using their passion for their local area to improve access to smoke-free products.

Over an 18-month period which will provide a grounding across the entire sales function, embark will equip the apprentices with the necessary skills and experiences as they work towards earning a Level 4 Sales Executive HNC qualification, which is the equivalent to a foundation degree. The rotations will focus on developing practical skills, exposing the apprentices to varying roles across the function, from having their own sales area as a Territory Activation Executive to shadowing the Head of the Field Force.

The apprentice will have a three-person support network, from all levels of the organisation. These include an experienced sales mentor who will help them to develop their skills, a senior programme manager who will oversee progression, and a buddy to support them throughout their programme.

Hannah Donohoe, Early Careers Lead said, “Embark will teach the apprentices how to build strong relationships, educate retailers and manage the expectations of the consumer, while making a positive change in their community. We are so excited to launch embark, which will further bolster our current talent pool that already includes a successful graduate scheme”.