Design a career. Build your future. Learn with the UK's Number 1 Trade Supplier
This isn't a standard apprenticeship - It's a role where you can turn people's kitchen dreams into reality, and a place where you can make a real difference.
In June 2026, Howdens is launching a brand-new, enhanced cohort programme for Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designers across major city regions in the North of England. This programme has senior leadership backing, additional learning, and a community of apprentices progressing together.
If you're ambitious, people-focused and interested in sales, design and building relationships, this is an outstanding way to start a long-term career with one of the UK's most successful businesses.
What makes this apprenticeship different?
You'll be part of a regional cohort, learning and developing together from day one. Alongside your depot-based role, you'll benefit from:
Cohorted classroom sessions with apprentices from day one
Direct learning from Howdens experts, including:
Lead Kitchen Sales Designers
Product and category teams
Internal sales and leadership teams
Close support from Learning & Development and training partners
One-to-one support from your apprenticeship coach
Strong visibility and sponsorship from senior leaders
A structured, supportive route into a sales career with real progression
This programme is designed to help you fast-track your career into a future top performer and sales leader, not just fill a role.
The role - what you'll be learning to do
As an Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer, you'll learn how to turn ideas into reality.
You'll work with professional builders and their customers to:
Understand customer needs and lifestyle requirements
Visit homes to measure and plan kitchen spaces
Design inspirational kitchens using Howdens' market-leading products and design tools
Create high-quality visuals using our My Kitchen design service
Price, plan and manage orders accurately and professionally
Build long-lasting relationships based on trust and service
This is a sales role, but it's also creative, relationship-focused, and highly skilled.
Who this programme is for
You don't need experience in kitchens or sales - we'll teach you that.
We're looking for people who:
Enjoy talking to people and building relationships
Are motivated, driven and keen to succeed
Like problem-solving and being creative
Have a competitive spirit
Want a long-term career, not just a short-term job
Are organised, reliable and ready to take responsibility
Are open to learning, feedback and personal development
Apprenticeship details
Level 3 Fitted Furniture Design Technician Apprenticeship
Duration: approximately 14 months
Delivered through a blend of:
On-the-job learning
Cohorted classroom sessions
Support from Howdens' Learning & Development team
External training provider input
Support provided to achieve English and maths (if required)
Locations & travel
Roles are available across the following city regions:
Liverpool
Manchester
Leeds
Sheffield
Newcastle
You'll visit customer homes and sites, so a driving licence is required. Business mileage will be reimbursed.
Reward & benefits
Starting salary: £16,686
Paid holiday entitlement
Generous pension scheme
Team incentives and social events
Staff discount on Howdens products
Most importantly, you'll gain skills, confidence and experience that open doors - within Howdens and throughout your career.
About Howdens
Howdens is the UK's number one trade kitchen supplier, trusted by over 460,000 trade professionals. With over 900 depots and strong local relationships, we're a business built on teamwork, entrepreneurship, and long-term careers.
We're proud to be recognised as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer for the last four years, and we care deeply about developing our future talent.
For any questions about this programme or how to apply: (url removed)
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