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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice, gaining hands-on experience in customer service and sales.
- Company: Howdens is the UK's top 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: Grow your skills in a supportive environment with real career progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: We seek detail-oriented, proactive individuals with great communication skills and a passion for learning.
- Other info: Complete your Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship with dedicated support from mentors and teams.
Howdens Ilminster, England, United Kingdom
Overview
We’re looking for enthusiastic, proactive people to join our apprenticeship programme as a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice. You’ll follow a structured development programme combining practical depot experience with high-quality off-the-job training delivered by an approved apprenticeship training provider. The apprenticeship is 12–15 months and provides 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. You will be supported throughout by your Depot Manager, a dedicated mentor, and our in-house Learning and Development team to help you grow in confidence and capability.
What You’ll Gain
- Learn how to deliver exceptional service and build strong relationships with trade customers in person and over the phone
- Develop skills in serving and selling to customers on the trade counter, ensuring timely and efficient product delivery
- Gain product knowledge and the ability to advise customers on kitchen, bedroom and joinery ranges, identifying new sales opportunities
- Learn stock control and warehousing principles, maintain stock levels accurately, and follow health and safety regulations
- Grow confidence and communication skills as part of a close-knit team in a fast-paced depot
- 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
- £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. 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.
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Trade Sales and Service Apprentice employer: Howdens
Contact Detail:
Howdens Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Sales and Service Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' products and services. 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
Practice your communication skills. Since the role involves customer service at the trade counter, being able to engage effectively with customers will be crucial. Consider role-playing scenarios with friends or family.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your proactive attitude by researching common challenges faced in trade sales. Being prepared to discuss how you would handle these situations can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former apprentices at Howdens. They can provide valuable insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even offer tips on how to impress 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: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and skills required for the Trade Sales and Service 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 education. Emphasise any customer service experience or teamwork skills, as these are crucial for the role. Keep it concise and well-structured.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and explain why you are a good fit for Howdens. Mention specific examples of your proactive attitude and communication skills, as these are highly valued.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality, which is essential for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your excitement about the Trade Sales and Service Apprentice role. Companies like Howdens value proactive individuals, so let your passion for customer service and sales shine through during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since great communication is key in this role, prepare to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated with customers or team members in the past. This will show that you have the right mindset for building strong relationships.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Be ready to provide specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was in a previous job or a school project, showcasing this skill will align well with what Howdens is looking for in an apprentice.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the company culture. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps you determine if Howdens is the right fit for you.
