National Apprenticeship Week 2023

What are Salesforce Apprenticeships?

At Salesforce, we believe that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not—and we are committed to closing that gap so that our workforce is representative of the local communities in which we live and work. That’s why a core focus of our workforce development strategy is preparing the next generation of leaders with access to opportunities, education and skills to succeed.

The Salesforce Untapped Talent apprenticeships provide pathways to early careers at Salesforce for those from backgrounds underrepresented in the tech sector and for those without university degrees. In partnership with training providers such as Ada: National College for Digital Skills and BMS Progress in the UK, and FIT and MSLETB in Ireland, our apprenticeships provide paid work experience and on-the-job training. These programmes enable young people to establish a strong professional foundation, develop specialised skills, build their networks, and grow their careers. At the same time, they enable Salesforce to develop entry-level talent and bring fresh perspectives to our teams, adding tremendous value to our company.

The Untapped Talent Apprenticeships currently run in the UK and Ireland.

Apprenticeships Kick Start Careers

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 program, 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 and 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. ”

Apprenticeships are Making an Impact at Salesforce

Managers are leveraging Untapped Talent programs as a way to develop promising new talent for their teams. Functions like Sales, Solution Engineering and Cybersecurity are hiring cohorts of apprentices, and investing in their growth and training aligned to the specialised needs of the business.

Dermot Cribbin, Product Management Senior Manager, is one of many managers who realised the potential apprentices can bring to the team when Laurne Cudden, a former Business Technology Apprentice, joined his team: “Since joining Salesforce and the BT Systems team in particular Lauren has really embraced the opportunity to work in a very dynamic team driving and supporting multiple technologies. What’s been most impressive since then is Lauren’s ability to network, make connections around the business and be curious. That curiosity has now taken her into the world of Agile and Scrum as she offers even more support to her team as an acting Scrum Lead.”

Solutions Engineering Apprentice, Eisosa Abdullahi, is just one of the many apprentices adding value to teams across the business: “The highlights in my apprenticeship journey are many. I was fortunate enough to have won company awards such as the ‘Customer Success’ Award and received shoutouts in UKI-wide channels, allowing me to advocate for all apprentices. One of my biggest achievements was creating a video for a large strategic account. I created a personalised story for a specific customer showcasing an end-to-end solution. The video began trending internally within Salesforce and I received praise from VPs and Directors from both Sales and SE teams.”

Celebrating Success

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.”

Investing in the Next Generation of Tech Talent

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 of 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.”

Our Next Generation Workforce

Our apprentices are an integral part of our Salesforce team. We celebrate the contribution they bring to our workforce and are proud to be able to offer the next generation an opportunity to develop their skills, ready for an exciting career and bright future.