Trade Sales and Service Apprentice
Posted 6 days ago by Howdens
Negotiable
Undetermined
Undetermined
Prestwich, England, United Kingdom
Summary: The Trade Sales and Service Apprentice role at Howdens offers a structured apprenticeship program designed to develop skills in customer service, sales, and stock control within a depot environment. Apprentices will receive hands-on experience and support from mentors while completing a Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship. This position is ideal for enthusiastic individuals eager to start their careers in a supportive and dynamic setting. Successful apprentices may progress to various roles within the company upon completion of the program.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver exceptional service and build strong relationships with trade customers.
- Serve and sell to customers at the trade counter, ensuring timely product delivery.
- Gain product knowledge to advise customers on kitchen, bedroom, and joinery ranges.
- Identify new sales opportunities to drive depot growth.
- Maintain accurate stock levels and adhere to health and safety regulations.
- Develop confidence and communication skills in a fast-paced team environment.
- Complete the Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship, including English and Maths if required.
Key Skills:
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Excellent communication skills with a customer-focused mindset.
- Proactive attitude and ability to work independently.
- Good organization and time management skills.
- Genuine interest in skill development and career growth.
- Right to work in the UK.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: Prestwich
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: undetermined
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: Entry Level
Industry: Other
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 Role
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 apprenticeships@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we’ll be happy to help.