At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Warehouse Apprentice, handling stock and ensuring top-notch customer service.
- Company: Howdens is the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier, with over 900 depots and a commitment to talent development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, paid holidays, pension scheme, team outings, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Build a lasting career in a supportive environment while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring your attention to detail and desire for growth.
- Other info: This apprenticeship includes training and support from our dedicated Learning & Development Team.
At Howdens, we’re proud to be one of the UK’s leading apprenticeship employers. With a long-standing commitment to developing talent, we’ve been recognised among the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers since 2022. Our apprentices don’t just do a job - they build lasting careers.
The Role
At Howdens we operate an ‘in stock’ business through all our depots. Our Warehouse Person is responsible for effective stock maintenance, compliance with strict health and safety regulations and high standards of customer service.
- Deal with customers in a courteous, professional, and knowledgeable way.
- Maintain general housekeeping duties within the warehouse including stock rotation, cleanliness, tidiness and compliance with Health & Safety guidelines.
- Carry out security and compliance checks on all incoming stock and outgoing orders while adhering to stock management guidelines to ensure accuracy.
- Carry out daily checks on the forklift truck and other mechanical equipment and report all defects to the Depot Manager.
The Person
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work using own initiative
- Good communication skills
- Planning and organising skills
- Ability to prioritise own workload
- A desire for continuous personal and professional development
The Apprenticeship
- Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2 - Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Training provided by in house Learning & Development Team
- Support from external training provider
- 15 Month programme including minimum 12 month learning period plus end point assessment
- Apprentices without Level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for Level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment and completing the apprenticeship
In return for your hard work and commitment you will be rewarded with some great benefits, which include:
- £15,708 salary
- Paid holiday entitlement
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Team incentives and outings
- Staff discount on Howdens products
Summary
Warehouse Operatives work in a variety of warehouse environments. Work activities include taking deliveries, checking for damaged/missing items, storing goods, moving stock by various methods, picking/packing orders, loading goods for dispatch, maintaining stock records and documentation, and cleaning. They are required to safely use a range of equipment, machinery and vehicles, as relevant to their role and setting. This could include mechanical racking systems, materials handling equipment (MHE) or fork lift trucks. Warehouse Operatives communicate with a wide range of people and customers. They have a passion to meet customers’ expectations by providing a quality service that encourages repeat business. Individuals in this role are highly competent in using industry-recognised systems and associated services (eg Traffic/Warehouse Management Systems) and will be able to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
About Howdens
Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, trusted by over 460,000 trade professionals. With more than 900 depots and a growing presence across Europe, we’re a business built on entrepreneurial spirit and strong local relationships. At Howdens, we’re committed to being worthwhile for all concerned. We aim to create an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. If you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, just email apprenticeships@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we’ll be happy to help.
Warehouse Apprentice employer: Howden Joinery
Contact Detail:
Howden Joinery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Warehouse Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with warehouse operations and supply chain management. Understanding the basics of stock maintenance, health and safety regulations, and customer service will give you a solid foundation to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your communication skills by preparing examples of how you've effectively interacted with customers or team members in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain high standards of customer service, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Howdens and their commitment to apprenticeships. Being knowledgeable about the company’s values and their approach to employee development can help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your organisational skills and ability to prioritise tasks. Think of specific instances where you successfully managed your workload, as this will be important in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Warehouse Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Warehouse Apprentice position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Strong CV: Create a CV that showcases your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Emphasise your attention to detail, communication skills, and any previous experience in a warehouse or customer service environment.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and Howdens as a company. Mention specific reasons why you want to work there and how you can contribute to their team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden Joinery
✨Show Your Attention to Detail
As a Warehouse Apprentice, attention to detail is crucial. Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated this skill, whether in school projects or previous jobs.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in a warehouse environment. Think of instances where you successfully communicated with team members or customers, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Initiative
Employers value candidates who can work independently. Prepare to talk about times when you took the initiative to solve a problem or improve a process, showcasing your ability to work without constant supervision.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
Since this is an apprenticeship, showing a desire for continuous personal and professional development is essential. Be ready to discuss how you plan to grow and what skills you hope to acquire during your time at Howdens.