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- 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, known for developing talent through apprenticeships.
- 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 relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: We're looking for enthusiastic learners with great communication skills and a proactive attitude.
- Other info: Complete your Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship and unlock future career opportunities within Howdens.
The predicted salary is between 15704 - 19600 £ per year.
Overview
Trade Sales and Service Apprentice
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.
Trade Sales and Service Apprentice
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
This 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, 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:
- £15,704 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 with the job title and location, and we’ll be happy to help.
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Trade Sales and Service Apprentice employer: Howdens Joinery
Contact Detail:
Howdens 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 values before your interview. Understanding their commitment to apprenticeships and customer service will help you align your answers with what they are looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your enthusiasm for learning and how you can contribute to the team. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown initiative or provided excellent customer service.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills, as this role requires strong interaction with customers. Role-playing scenarios with friends or family can help you feel more confident when speaking to potential customers.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your organisational skills by preparing questions about the apprenticeship programme and the depot environment. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and genuine interest in the role.
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. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Craft a Tailored CV: Create a CV that specifically addresses the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your customer service experience, communication skills, and any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your proactive attitude.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and Howdens as a company. Mention why you are interested in the role and how your background aligns with their values and goals. Be sure to include specific examples of your skills and experiences.
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 commitment to quality, which are essential for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens Joinery
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your excitement about the apprenticeship and the opportunity to learn. Companies like Howdens value candidates who are eager to get involved and show a genuine interest in developing their skills.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past, whether in a job or a volunteer role. Highlighting your communication skills and customer-focused mindset will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the company culture. This shows that you are proactive and genuinely interested in how you can contribute to the team at Howdens.
✨Highlight Your Organisation Skills
Discuss any experiences where you successfully managed your time or organised tasks. This is particularly important for a role that involves stock control and working in a fast-paced environment.
