Trade Sales and Service Apprentice

Howdens Joinery Co.; Bacup; On-site; GBP 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading apprenticeship provider in the UK is seeking a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice in Bacup. The role includes hands-on experience in customer service, sales, and stock control, supported by mentors and structured training. The successful apprentice will receive a competitive salary of £15,704, paid holidays, and a pension scheme. This 12–15 month programme aims to develop essential skills and provides future career opportunities within the company. Ideal candidates should possess strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a proactive attitude.

Benefits

Paid holiday entitlement

Matched contribution pension scheme

Generous staff discount on products

Team incentives and social events

Qualifications

• Excited to learn and eager to get involved.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Genuine interest in skill development and career growth.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional service and build strong relationships.
• Serve customers and ensure timely product delivery.
• Gain product knowledge to advise on kitchen and joinery ranges.

Skills

Strong attention to detail

Great communication skills

Proactive attitude

Good organisation and time management

Customer-focused mindset

Education

Functional Skills in English and Maths

Job description

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 Apprenticeyou 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

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 [e-mail] with the job title and location, and we’ll be happy to help.