Howdens Ballymena, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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.
Overview
Trade Sales and Service Apprentice – 12-month structured development programme combining practical depot experience with high-quality off-the-job training delivered by an approved apprenticeship training provider. You’ll gain hands-on experience across key depot activities and work with support from a Depot Manager, a dedicated mentor, and the in-house Learning and Development team.
Responsibilities
* Deliver exceptional service and build strong relationships with trade customers both in person and over the phone
* Serve and sell to customers on the trade counter and ensure timely product delivery
* Develop product knowledge to advise customers on kitchen, bedroom and joinery ranges; identify new sales opportunities and help grow the depot
* Learn stock control and warehousing; maintain stock levels and follow health and safety regulations
* Contribute to a close-knit, fast-paced depot team and build confidence and communication skills
* Complete the Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship, including English and Maths if required
What You’ll Gain
* Skills, experience, and confidence to succeed in a retail and trade environment
* Customer service and relationship-building abilities for trade customers
* Product knowledge across kitchen, bedroom and joinery ranges and opportunity identification
* Understanding of stock control, warehousing, and health and safety
* Support in professional development and progression through Howdens learning programmes
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
* Proactive attitude with the ability to work independently and use initiative
* Good organisation and time management
* Genuine interest in developing skills and growing your career
* The right to work in the UK
The Apprenticeship Programme
* Apprenticeship Standard: Level 2 Certificate in Retail Skills
* Duration: Typically 12 months
* 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: Essential 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. We’re committed to being worthwhile for all concerned. If you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, email apprenticeships@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we’ll be happy to help.
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