Network academy

The year-long graduate scheme – which is benefitting from part of a £100,000 investment in training throughout the company - will train the candidates to become Account Managers within Networks First by teaching them about the business whilst providing practical sales experience.

The four Rising Stars - Holly Taylor, Sam Bailey, Shaun Wood and Ben Acton – will complete dedicated sales training over six months. Coming from a range of educational backgrounds, the graduates – all from the Birmingham area – were recruited in a rigorous selection process from some 50 applications.

With six stages to the recruitment process, only the finest calibre of graduates made it to the programme - and the challenges don’t stop there.
Having completed presentations, focus groups, competency tests, and telephone interviews, the candidates’ progress will continue to be monitored closely by senior management mentors.

Sales Academy Manager Kasia Murphy said: “Networks First are offering a challenging yet highly rewarding career path for the graduates, and the candidates that we have chosen seem ready to step up to the task.

“After years of investing in training for our specialist engineers and technicians, it is refreshing to be able to invest considerable funds in the sales team, who are at the forefront of the business.

“Holly, Sam, Shaun and Ben have had a great first week, and I have faith in their ability to excel and play an integral part in the future of Networks First.”
Rising Star candidate and fashion graduate, Holly Taylor, has already impressed senior team members in her first week by engaging with the CEO of a prospective partner.

She said: “After a rigorous interview process, I knew I had to continue impressing in my role here.

“The assessment day was intensive and I went through quite a few stages before I was offered a place. I did enjoy the day though as I got the chance to learn about Networks First so it was really helpful for when I started here.

“I am keen to learn as much as I can during the academy – it is a wonderful opportunity. I want to be a successful account manager and this is a great place to start as building relationships with our partners is key to Networks First.

“I am grateful to be part of the Networks First team as it provides such a comprehensive training plan; it would be ridiculous to want to be anywhere else.”

Over the next few months the Sales Academy will learn about the IT industry, the business, manage accounts, generate new business, undertake marketing communications and understand how to cater to clients’ needs.