Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Merchant Apprentice, serving customers and learning about building materials.
- Company: STARK Building Materials UK is a top Builders Merchant known for quality and service.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with flexible hours and hands-on training.
- Why this job: Gain valuable skills in a supportive team environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: A proactive attitude, passion for customer service, and GCSEs in English and Maths are essential.
- Other info: Experience in forklift operation is a plus; apply by 1st September!
Overview
Join to apply for the Merchant Apprentice role at STARK Building Materials UK
JP Corry, BITC’s ‘Responsible Company of the Year’ (2024) is a leading Builders Merchants in Northern Ireland. Our name is renowned for providing excellent quality and service in the supply of building materials and timber-based products. By hiring the right people for the job, who align with our values of ‘Decency’, ‘Passion’ and ‘Pride’ we provide excellent career opportunities in a challenging and rewarding environment. Through equipping you with the right tools and training we lay a solid foundation for you to make your career a successful one with us.
This exciting opportunity offers a JP Corry Builders Merchant Apprenticeship in collaboration with Springvale Learning. The primary purpose of the apprenticeship is for individuals to gain development both on the job and through formal learning. This enables the delivery of exceptional customer experience and to be a valued member of both the branch and wider JP Corry team.
You will earn while you work a minimum of 21 hours per week. Rotating in 3-month periods across our trade centre, yard and internal sales role, before selecting where to return to. We hope by this stage, you will have found your niche and laid strong ‘foundations’ for moving onto the ‘first fix’ of your career.
Running alongside the on-the-job training you will be undertaking formal learning with Springvale Learning. You will attend the classes with your JPC Merchant Apprentice colleagues from other branches. The modules are:
- Understanding our customers and JP Corry
- Mastering service delivery and communication
- Safety and team work first
- Boosting sales and the customer experience
- Expertly managing challenges
- Specialised skills
All our branch colleagues, regardless of job role, are there to provide exceptional customer service. Whether in person, over the phone or on email. Our branches are busy places, and as such all colleagues play a vital role ensuring that operations are carried out efficiently, effectively and safely, whilst providing an impressive experience for all.
Working in one of our yards you will be predominately working in an outdoor environment serving customers and operating a forklift truck to prepare orders.
The branch roles that you will experience take pride in delivering a level of high-quality customer service. Through excellent product knowledge and competitive pricing to secure sales as well as nurturing customer relationships. Overall, positioning your branch to be the best merchant within your local community.
Branch opening hours are Mon – Thurs 07.30 – 17.00, Fri 07.30 – 16.00, Sat 08.00 – 12.00 and we are flexible to consider a variety of working hours/patterns to suit your needs.
Closing date: Monday 1st September
What will I be doing on the job?
- Responsible for personal and workplace health and safety and observe regulations in relation to the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Working independently and as part of the team to serve customers face to face, on the phone and over email.
- Delivering a high standard of housekeeping and presentation throughout the trade centre / yard
- Making sure all goods inwards are checked and put away in the correct location. Ensuring adequate branch stock levels and count accurately for/during stocktake
- Preparing orders for collection & delivery and confirming sales documentation is completed. Loading and unloading vehicles both manually and with a forklift truck
- Identify and generate sales opportunities by ensuring the customer has all they need for their job
- Efficiently processing customer transactions
- Provide competitive quotations to meet both customer and business needs
- Any other duties deemed reasonable
What do we need from you?
- Proactive attitude with an appetite to learn
- A passion for customer service and / or sales
- An interest in construction
- Proficient in the use of IT
- A GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths
In the circumstances where we receive a high number of applications, we reserve the right to apply enhanced criteria to facilitate shortlisting:
- Prior FLT experience and licence
About Us
At JP Corry, we are part of STARK Building Materials UK and dedicated to providing top-quality products and exceptional service to our customers. We are a friendly and collaborative team, passionate about what we do and committed to doing it well.
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level and join a team that is dedicated to providing great service, we want to hear from you. Apply today!
Seniority level
- Internship
Employment type
- Part-time
Job function
- Sales and Business Development
Industries
- Wholesale Building Materials
Location and application details are in Antrim, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Merchant Apprentice employer: Stark Building Materials UK
Contact Detail:
Stark Building Materials UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchant Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with JP Corry's values of Decency, Passion, and Pride. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, demonstrate how your personal values align with theirs to show you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some basic knowledge about building materials and the construction industry. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service skills. Since the role heavily involves interacting with customers, consider role-playing scenarios where you handle customer inquiries or complaints effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have any prior experience with forklifts or in a similar environment, be sure to highlight this during your discussions. Even if it's informal, it can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchant Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the Merchant Apprentice role. Read through the job description carefully and note the key responsibilities and skills required. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Tailored CV: Create a CV that specifically addresses the requirements of the Merchant Apprentice position. Emphasise any customer service experience, sales skills, or interest in construction. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for customer service and sales, as well as your eagerness to learn. Mention why you want to work at JP Corry and how your values align with theirs. Keep it concise and engaging.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stark Building Materials UK
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for customer service during the interview. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers in previous roles or experiences, as this aligns with the company's values.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactive Attitude
Be prepared to discuss instances where you've taken initiative or solved problems independently. This will showcase your proactive attitude, which is essential for the Merchant Apprentice role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Company
Research JP Corry and STARK Building Materials UK before the interview. Understanding their values, products, and services will help you answer questions more effectively and show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to health and safety, customer interactions, and teamwork. Think about how you would handle various scenarios in a busy branch environment, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
