At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Howdens, the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier with a commitment to developing talent.
- Benefits: Earn £16,686 annually, enjoy paid holidays, and receive generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and personal development await you!
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with structured training and real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 16686 - 16686 £ 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 team. 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 GainThis apprenticeship is designed to give you the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed. You will:
- 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, 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.
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
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.
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)
Your hard work and commitment won’t go unnoticed. As a Howdens apprentice, you’ll receive:
- £16,686 annual salary
- Paid holiday entitlement
- A matched contribution pension scheme
- Team incentives and social events
- Generous staff discount on Howdens products
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 in Oldham employer: Howdens-95ed4e89
Howdens is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to nurturing talent through structured apprenticeship programmes. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, apprentices benefit from hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities for career progression within a thriving environment. Located across the UK, Howdens offers competitive salaries, generous staff discounts, and a vibrant team atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those eager to kickstart their careers in trade sales and service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Sales and Service Apprentice in Oldham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Howdens. Understand their values, products, and what makes them tick. This will help you show genuine interest and tailor your answers to fit their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do some mock interviews. Focus on common questions like 'Why do you want to work here?' or 'What can you bring to the team?'. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your enthusiasm! When you're in the interview, let your passion for learning and growing shine through. Talk about your eagerness to develop skills and how excited you are about the apprenticeship programme at Howdens.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Sales and Service Apprentice in Oldham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your excitement shine through! We want to see that you're eager to learn and ready to dive into the world of trade sales and service. A bit of personality goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and qualities we're looking for. Highlight your attention to detail, communication skills, and any relevant experience that shows you’re a great fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your main points stand out. This will help us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the apprenticeship programme right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens-95ed4e89
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Howdens and what they do. Familiarise yourself with their products, especially kitchens and joinery ranges. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
As a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice, enthusiasm is key! Be ready to express why you're excited about this apprenticeship and how it aligns with your career goals. A positive attitude can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Practice Customer Scenarios
Since customer service is a big part of the role, think of some common customer scenarios you might face at the trade counter. Practising how you would handle these situations can demonstrate your proactive attitude and problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows that you're engaged and interested in the role. You could ask about the training process or what a typical day looks like for an apprentice at Howdens.
