At a Glance
- Tasks: Join Howdens as a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Howdens, a top UK apprenticeship employer committed to developing talent.
- Benefits: Earn £16,686, enjoy paid holidays, and receive generous staff discounts.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with structured training and real impact in trade sales.
- Qualifications: Strong attention to detail, great communication skills, and a proactive attitude.
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 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. 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, 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.
- Trade Counter Salesperson
- Business Developer
- Kitchen Sales Designer
- Depot Management Roles
- 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).
- £16,686 annual salary.
- Paid holiday entitlement.
- A matched contribution pension scheme.
- Team incentives and social events.
- Generous staff discount on Howdens products.
Trade Sales and Service Apprentice employer: Howdens
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 a clear pathway to career advancement in a dynamic depot 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Sales and Service Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Howdens and understand their values, products, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to customer service and sales. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former apprentices at Howdens on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you for the position, giving you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Howdens and starting your career with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Sales and Service Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for the role shine through! We want to see that you're genuinely excited about becoming a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the apprenticeship. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we're looking for, like customer service or teamwork. We love seeing how you fit into our culture!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the apprenticeship programme there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you research Howdens and understand their products and services. Familiarise yourself with kitchen, bedroom, and joinery ranges, as well as the role of a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves customer interaction, practice your communication skills. Think about how you would explain a product to a customer or handle a query. During the interview, be clear and articulate, and don’t forget to listen actively to the interviewer’s questions.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Attitude
Employers love candidates who take initiative. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve shown a proactive approach, whether in school projects, part-time jobs, or volunteer work. This will highlight your ability to work independently and contribute positively to the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the training programme, team dynamics, or future career pathways. It shows that you’re engaged and serious about the opportunity, plus it gives you valuable insights into the role.
