According to CompTIA’s 2024 State of the Tech Workforce report, the U.S. tech industry is projected to employ over 9.9 million workers, and demand for technical sales roles in cloud computing and software-as-a-service (SaaS) remains strong heading into 2025.1
Tech sales combines knowledge of software, digital tools, and business strategy. The goal of a technical sales professional is to help businesses adopt and effectively use technical products and services, from software platforms to information technology (IT) systems. The role of a technical salesperson is to connect customers with solutions, often in areas like SaaS and enterprise platforms. If you’re looking to start a sales career, a tech sales apprenticeship offers a structured way to gain paid, hands-on job training.
What Is a Tech Sales Apprenticeship?
A technical sales apprenticeship is a structured program that combines classroom-style training with paid, on-the-job experience. Apprentices learn how to sell technology products such as SaaS platforms, cloud solutions, and enterprise software. Programs typically last three to six months and are designed for people with little or no prior experience in IT technical sales apprenticeships.
Even without a tech background, apprentices can gain the skills they need. Programs are designed to teach both sales strategies and the technical aspects of products, making the pathway accessible to beginners. Through an IT technical salesperson apprenticeship, you’ll receive in-depth training in lead generation, sales campaigns, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Salesforce or HubSpot.
What Does a Tech Sales Apprentice Do?
The primary role of a tech sales apprentice is similar to that of a sales development representative (SDR). Daily tasks include identifying potential customers, generating new leads, contacting existing clients, and setting up product demos. Apprentices also practice building client relationships and may work alongside a sales team or account manager.
The role extends beyond outreach. Apprentices often provide support to existing customers, resolve technical problems, and help maintain good relationships that can lead to repeat business or new business. Strong communication, presentation skills, and basic project management knowledge are important.
In short, technical salesperson apprenticeships prepare candidates to explain technical aspects of complex software and deliver solutions in plain language.
Tech Sales Apprenticeship Salary
According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a technical sales apprentice in the U.S. is about $116,000 per year as of September 2025.² Some sales apprenticeships instead provide stipends or hourly wages (typically $15–$22/hour). After successful completion, many graduates transition into SDR, account executive, or sales consultant roles, where salaries range from $101,000 to $177,000.³
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that professional sales representatives in wholesale and manufacturing of technical and scientific products earned a median wage of $100,070 in May 2024, with commissions a key factor.⁴
Tech Sales Apprenticeship Requirements
The main requirement for a technical salesperson apprenticeship is the ability to learn how to sell software and digital products and services to businesses.
Most sales apprenticeship programs do not require prior technical sales experience. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or GED, strong communication skills, and curiosity. Programs often cover business-to-business (B2B) sales, SaaS, and CRM systems.
Because apprenticeships are both work and training, candidates should be open to coaching and feedback. Some employers may require an aptitude test or mock interview. For example, Vendition asks candidates to practice sales strategies and role-play calls with clients before joining.
Tech Sales Apprenticeship Jobs
Several companies and training organizations now offer IT technical salesperson apprenticeships, giving newcomers a chance to earn while they learn.
When comparing options, check whether a sales apprenticeship program is a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship—which provides a credential—or a bootcamp-style program with job placement support.⁵
Vendition Apprenticeship Program
Vendition partners with hundreds of employers to place aspiring SDRs into three-month paid sales apprenticeships. Apprentices earn $9,000 while learning with a local company, building client relationships, and practicing how to develop new business opportunities.⁶
SV Academy Apprenticeship Program
SV Academy offers a remote training program that equips participants with technical skills and soft skills for success in sales teams or customer success roles.⁷ ⁸ Training includes live classes, projects, and mentorship. Graduates receive 12 weeks of continued coaching to prepare for long-term success.
How to Get a Tech Sales Apprenticeship
The U.S. tech industry added more than 270,000 jobs in 2023 and employed over 9.9 million workers in 2024.¹ This growth expands opportunities in IT technical sales apprenticeships.
Bootcamps: Providers like Vendition, SV Academy, Elevate SDR Bootcamp, and Aspireship deliver intensive sales apprenticeship programs with mentorship and employer partners.
Internships: College students can move from internships into sales apprenticeship programs, where they gain experience and develop skills that employers value.
Trade Schools: Some trade schools offer job training with employer links in sales or business development.
Vocational Training: Courses may focus on sales, customer service, or project management, and can make you a stronger candidate for technical salesperson apprenticeships.
You can also use the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Job Finder to search for active sales apprenticeships nationwide.⁹
Is a Tech Sales Apprenticeship Worth It?
A tech sales apprenticeship is worth it if you want structured training, paid experience, and a pathway into roles like SDR, account executive, or account manager. Apprenticeships let you gain knowledge, learn how to maintain good relationships with customers, and deliver value to sales teams.Is a Tech Sales Apprenticeship Worth It?
Yes, a tech sales apprenticeship is worth it. If you are coming into the tech sales field without prior experience in SaaS, then a tech sales apprenticeship is a good training ground. To excel in your work, you need basic knowledge and skills so you can attend to your responsibilities. The apprenticeship is one way to prepare you for more demanding professional work.
Companies, organizations, bootcamps, and trade schools have intact curriculum and programs that you can trust. You will be allowed to work in real-time and even earn as you are learning. If you are coming from an underrepresented community, take advantage of programs that are meant to help bridge the gap in diversity in tech.
Tech Sales Apprenticeship FAQ
It’s a structured program that teaches both sales strategies and technical aspects of software. Apprentices generate leads, manage client relationships, and practice explaining emerging technologies in simple terms.
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Yes. Most sales apprenticeship programs accept beginners with strong communication skills. A diploma or GED is typical.
Average total pay is about $116,000 per year, with some roles offering monthly stipends or hourly pay.²
Apprentices are responsible for outreach, building good relationships with clients, and providing support after sales. They may also help run sales campaigns, ensure the successful completion of onboarding, and assist in resolving technical problems.
Sources
1 https://lecbyo.files.cmp.optimizely.com/download/fa9be256b74111efa0ca8e42e80f1a8f?sfvrsn=a8aa5246_2
2 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/technical-sales-apprentice-salary-SRCH_KO0,26.htm
3 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/account-executive-salary-SRCH_KO0,17.htm
4 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/wholesale-and-manufacturing-sales-representatives.htm
5 https://www.apprenticeship.gov/employers/registered-apprenticeship-program
6 https://vendition.com/earn-a-job/
7 https://sv.academy/why-sv-academy-1
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