At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Trade Sales & Service Apprentice and gain hands-on experience in sales and customer service.
- Company: Dynamic company with a supportive apprenticeship programme and a focus on personal growth.
- Benefits: Earn £16,686, enjoy paid holidays, and receive generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Complete your Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship while building a future career.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with practical training and mentorship in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, great communication skills, and a proactive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 16686 - 16686 £ per year.
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
- Trade Counter Salesperson
- Business Developer
- Kitchen Sales Designer
- Depot Management Roles
What We’re Looking For
- 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
- £16,686 annual salary.
- Paid holiday entitlement.
- A matched contribution pension scheme.
- Team incentives and social events.
- Generous staff discount on Howdens products.
Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time.
Trade Sales & Service Apprentice in Bishop Auckland employer: Howdens
At Howdens, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive apprenticeship programme that combines hands-on experience with high-quality training. Our inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, with dedicated mentors and a close-knit team environment that encourages collaboration and development. With competitive benefits, including a generous salary, paid holidays, and staff discounts, joining us as a Trade Sales & Service Apprentice means embarking on a rewarding career path in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Sales & Service Apprentice in Bishop Auckland
✨Get Involved in Local Networking Events
Sales and business development thrive on personal connections. Look for local networking events, trade shows, or industry meet-ups in your area to meet professionals and even potential mentors! Engage with people in your community; who knows, they might know about an apprenticeship opportunity at a place like Howdens.
✨Utilise Social Media for Real-Time Opportunities
Platforms like LinkedIn are goldmines for apprenticeship seekers in sales. Follow companies like Howdens and join groups focused on business development to stay updated on apprenticeship announcements and advice from industry insiders.
✨Connect with Your University's Careers Service
If you’re enrolled in a school, your careers service can be super helpful for finding apprenticeships. They often have exclusive access to companies looking for apprentices, so don’t underestimate this resource! Plus, they can help you prepare for interviews specific to sales roles.
✨Show Your Passion Through Practical Experience
Dive into small projects or volunteer roles that involve sales or business development. Even things like helping a local charity with their outreach can show that you’re proactive and engaged in the field. This experience can set you apart when you're vying for an apprenticeship at Howdens.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Sales & Service Apprentice in Bishop Auckland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In sales and business development, communication is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have in customer service or teamwork. Whether it's a part-time job or school projects, mention how you’ve successfully collaborated with others or communicated effectively with clients.
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:As this is an apprenticeship, the hiring team at Howdens will be keen to see your motivation and eagerness to learn. Use your cover letter to explain why you’re excited about joining their team and what you hope to gain from the experience. That personal touch can really set you apart!
Highlight Relevant Courses or Projects:If you've taken any relevant courses, workshops, or have worked on projects that relate to sales or business development, make sure to mention those in your application. This can include anything from economics to marketing projects; it shows that you’re engaged and knowledgeable about the field.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your CV is specifically tailored for the sales role. Focus on skills like negotiation, persuasion, and relationship building. Use bullet points to break down your experiences simply, letting your potential stand out to Howdens straight away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Know Your Sales Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of basic sales principles, like the sales funnel and customer relationship management. Being able to chat confidently about these concepts will show that you're ready to hit the ground running in your apprenticeship at Howdens.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Expect to participate in role-playing exercises where you might have to sell a product or handle an objection. Practising these scenarios can help us to demonstrate your communication skills and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial in sales.
✨Highlight Your Learning Drive
Since this is an apprenticeship, the hiring team at Howdens will be keen to see how eager you are to learn. Be prepared to discuss how you plan to develop your skills and what you hope to achieve during your time there. Show them your enthusiasm!
✨Ask Insightful Questions About the Sales Process
Come ready with questions about their sales strategies or how their team collaborates on deals. This shows we're not just interested in the role but also in how Howdens operates. It’ll also help you gauge if their methods align with your learning goals.
