Demo

Sales and Management Trainee - COMET

Applied Industrial Technologies
Columbia, SC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/21/2026
The Opportunity

Our Career Opportunity and Management Employment Training (COMET) is the exclusive award-winning, fast-track training program of Applied Industrial Technologies. COMET is for those who desire a challenging role in the sales and distribution of industrial components. You will learn about the business from the ground up. Be part of an organization with a bright future.

Your training program will include 10 months of personalized training and coaching by managers and peers, many of whom started in the same position. You will receive product training and soft skills training in sales, communications, and customer service through one-on-one, small group, web-based methods, and on-the-job training. We will introduce you to our sales and operations processes, technology, and strong company culture focused on customer satisfaction, personal mastery, and individual/team contributions.

Our program, which runs from September through May of each year, has produced sales professionals, local managers, national account managers, regional managers and vice presidents for Applied®. Our service center locations are flexible with the date of hire for their COMET associate. They will work with the ideal candidate to find a start date that is mutually beneficial. That means you will not need to wait until September to start a successful career with Applied.

Position Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Preferred

  • Internship or related work experience in a customer-facing role
  • Proven leadership skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering Technology, or Communications

Desired Characteristics

  • Strong desire to build a sales career
  • Mechanical interest
  • Results-oriented, attention to detail, and good time management skills
  • Potential to fill leadership roles in the future

Work for a corporation that believes in developing its people. Applied employees believe in the company and love the environment. Individual contributors with fresh ideas and passion for excellence are encouraged and rewarded.

Different Voices. New Perspectives. Boundless opportunities. Applied is committed to offering equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees based on their training, experience and overall qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, veteran or citizenship status, age, disability, national origin, or any other category protected by applicable law. We are also committed to a drug-free workplace. We encourage applicants of all ages and experience, as we do not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s age. We value you, your background, and your unique experiences that help add to the richness of the Applied team.

Connect with a great stable company with strong performance and growth. We look forward to learning more about you and will respond to qualified candidates.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Salary.com Estimation for Sales and Management Trainee - COMET in Columbia, SC
$78,674 to $103,557
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