Prior to joining Salesforce, Apprentice Aaron Wilson worked in hospitality and was looking for an opportunity to break into a new career.
“I wanted to do something more than what I was currently doing, maybe go back to college and study something new, but I was hesitant to commit to another four years of education when I really wanted to progress in a career. When the opportunity arose to apply for this programme, I knew how big of a game changer it could be for me. The chance to work in a company with as amazing a reputation that Salesforce has, while also getting a qualification out of it, and setting myself up for a potential career.”
Since joining Salesforce, Aaron has had ”the opportunity to work in multiple parts of the business, as a way to experience how the company works from all angles. This includes Marketing, Customer Success, Enablement, etc. In my time in college, I've studied Sales Fundamentals, Psychology of Sales, Marketing, Leadership, Sales Forecasting, International Selling, Coaching, Entrepreneurship, Customer Experience, and Legal & Ethical Considerations in Sales. My public speaking and presentation skills have also skyrocketed, something I wish to keep using as I move forward in my career. ”
This year, our apprentices were recognised for awards across the UK and Ireland. Eisosa Abdullahi won National Degree Apprentice of the Year at the National Apprenticeship Awards and at the UK Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2022, Eisosa Abdullahi and Priyanka Kaintura were shortlisted in the Digital and Technology and Judges Choice categories (respectively). In Ireland, apprentices Shauna Nestor and Aaron Wilson were also shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year award at the Generation Apprenticeship Awards for their talent, hard work and outstanding contribution to the business.
Workforce Development Director (EMEA), Kirstin Steinmetz said “It is incredible that our apprenticeship programmes and our apprentices have been recognised in the UK and Ireland. Everyone needs an opportunity to participate in the new digital economy and careers at Salesforce or in the technology sector should be accessible to all, regardless of background.”
Salesforce knows that in order to deliver exceptional digital transformation, its customers and communities need access to enough diverse, upskilled and experienced people. By investing in Untapped Talent, we bring great, high potential talent into our companies who add real value, innovative ideas and diverse perspectives to our teams.
Uzma Ahmedmunir Senior Associate, Employee Volunteerism completed her apprenticeship at Salesforce in 2020 and went on to join the Salesforce Citizen Philanthropy team in EMEA.
“Choosing to do an apprenticeship at Salesforce was one of the best career decisions I’ve made. I’ve had many opportunities to grow and thrive as an individual from mentoring, growing as an equality champion and ally, learning from wonderful people and most importantly being empowered to give back to the community.
My top highlight from my apprenticeship journey was winning the highly commended award from the BAME Apprenticeships Awards. An apprenticeship might not be the right pathway for everyone, but I would strongly recommend everyone explore the opportunity. The main advantage I have found with an alternative pathway to traditional education is gaining employability skills, exploring possible careers, getting paid and gaining a qualification debt free.”
Alastair Higginbottom (Principal Program Manager), Uzma’s manager throughout her apprenticeship is a big advocate on why alternative pathways to careers such as apprenticeships are important for bringing early talent into the business: “Frankly we would likely have not seen her impressive potential, were it not for the more gradual process of developing an apprentice. I anticipate watching her stellar career go from strength to strength as she continues to blossom into an inspiring and impactful leader.”