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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice, gaining hands-on experience in customer service and sales.
- Company: Howdens is the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier, trusted by over 460,000 professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, paid holidays, team incentives, and generous staff discounts.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with structured training and support, while building lasting relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: We're looking for enthusiastic learners with great communication skills and a proactive attitude.
- Other info: This apprenticeship lasts 12-15 months and opens doors to various career pathways within Howdens.
The predicted salary is between 15708 - 15708 £ per year.
Join Howdens as a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice and kickstart your career. 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.
We’re looking for enthusiastic, proactive people to join our apprenticeship programme and become an integral part of our depot teams. As a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice, you’ll follow a structured development programme that combines practical depot experience with high-quality off-the-job training delivered by an approved apprenticeship training provider. This 12–15 month apprenticeship will give you hands-on experience across key areas of our depot, including customer service at the trade counter, sales and business development, stock control, and kitchen planning.
As a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice, you will be supported throughout by your Depot Manager, a dedicated mentor, and our in-house Learning and Development team - ensuring you grow in confidence and capability every step of the way.
What You’ll Gain
- Learn how to deliver exceptional service and build strong relationships with trade customers both in person and over the phone.
- Build skills in serving and selling to customers on the trade counter, and ensuring customers receive their products in a timely and efficient manner.
- Gain product knowledge and develop the ability to advise customers on our kitchen, bedroom and joinery ranges, identifying new sales opportunities, and helping to drive the growth of the depot.
- Learn the principles of stock control and warehousing, ensuring stock levels are accurately maintained, and following all health and safety regulations.
- Grow your confidence and communication skills as part of a close-knit team in a fast-paced depot environment.
- Be supported to complete your Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship, including English and Maths if required.
Future Career Pathways
Completing this apprenticeship opens doors to a variety of career opportunities across Howdens, with in-house Learning and Development programmes to support your progression. Many of our past apprentices have progressed into roles such as:
- Trade Counter Salesperson
- Business Developer
- Kitchen Sales Designer
- Depot Management Roles
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking people who are excited to learn, eager to get involved, and ready to start their career. Ideally, you’ll have:
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to doing things well.
- Great communication skills and a customer-focused mindset.
- A proactive attitude with the ability to work independently and use your initiative.
- Good organisation and time management.
- A genuine interest in developing your skills and growing your career.
- The right to work in the UK.
The Apprenticeship Programme
Apprenticeship Standard: Level 2 Trade Supplier
Duration: Typically 12–15 months (including End Point Assessment)
Training: A mix of on-the-job experience and off-the-job learning
Support: From a mentor, depot team, learning and development team and external apprenticeship training provider
Qualifications: Functional Skills in English and Maths (if needed)
Rewards and Benefits
Your hard work and commitment won’t go unnoticed. As a Howdens apprentice, you’ll receive:
- £15,708 annual salary
- Paid holiday entitlement
- A matched contribution pension scheme
- Team incentives and social events
- Generous staff discount on Howdens products
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.
Trade Sales and Service Apprentice employer: Howden Joinery
Contact Detail:
Howden Joinery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Sales and Service Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Research Howdens and their products thoroughly. Understanding their kitchen, bedroom, and joinery ranges will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to demonstrate your customer service skills. Think of examples from previous experiences where you've successfully interacted with customers or resolved issues, as this is crucial for the Trade Sales and Service Apprentice role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for learning and development. Be ready to discuss how you plan to grow your skills during the apprenticeship and what areas you're particularly excited about.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or past apprentices if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the apprenticeship experience at Howdens and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Sales and Service Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Trade Sales and Service Apprentice position. Familiarise yourself with Howdens' values and what they look for in a candidate.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the apprenticeship role. Emphasise your communication skills, attention to detail, and any customer service experience you may have.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and explain why you want to work at Howdens. Mention specific aspects of the role that excite you and how you can contribute to the team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully 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 Enthusiasm
As a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice, it's crucial to demonstrate your eagerness to learn and grow. Be sure to express your excitement about the apprenticeship and how it aligns with your career goals.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves customer interaction, share examples of your previous experiences in customer service. Discuss how you handled challenges and built relationships with customers, showcasing your communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
Employers are looking for candidates who can take initiative. Prepare to discuss situations where you identified a problem and took steps to resolve it, illustrating your proactive attitude and ability to work independently.
✨Research Howdens
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' products and services. Understanding their business model and values will help you answer questions more effectively and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
