Trade Sales and Service Apprentice

Howdens Joinery; Bedford; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Pension

Paid holidays

Job summary

Howdens Joinery is opening a brand-new depot and inviting motivated individuals to join from day one. This 12–15 month Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship offers hands-on learning, a dedicated mentor, and progression into roles such as Trade Counter Sales, Business Development, Kitchen Design, or Depot Management.

Salary is £16,686 with team incentives, and there is support to achieve Maths & English if needed. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK; sponsorship is not provided.

Qualifications

• We hire for attitude and potential, not experience.
• Friendly, confident and keen to learn and get stuck in.
• Reliable and organised.
• Looking for a long-term career, not just a job.

Responsibilities

• Serving trade customers face-to-face and over the phone.
• Building relationships and supporting sales.
• Learning our product range (kitchens, joinery, materials).
• Supporting stock control and deliveries.
• Developing confidence in a fast-paced depot environment.

Skills

Attitude

Willingness to learn

Reliability

Long-term career mindset

Education

Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship

Job description

Apprentice Opportunity - New Howdens Depot Opening

We're excited to be opening a brand‑new Howdens depot and are looking for talented individuals to join us from the very beginning.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a new team, play a key role in the success of a growing business, and build a rewarding career with the UK's Number 1 Trade Kitchen Supplier. With excellent training, ongoing support, and genuine development opportunities, there's never been a better time to join Howdens, make an impact from day one, and help shape the success of our newest depot.

Forget the typical 9‑5. At Howdens, you'll be part of a busy, hands‑on environment where you'll learn, earn, and develop valuable skills from the start. This apprenticeship offers real career progression, with many of our apprentices going on to build successful careers in sales, management, and depot leadership.

We're proud to be recognised as a UK Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer and are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, motivated, and ready to learn. Whether you're leaving school, college, or looking to take the first step in your career, we'll provide the training, support, and opportunities you need to succeed.

About the Apprenticeship

Location: Houghton Regis Depot | Dunstable

£16,686 salary plus team incentives

Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship

Duration: 12‑15 months (Level 2 Apprenticeship)

Support to achieve Maths & English (if needed)

A dedicated mentor and supportive Depot Manager

Staff discount, pension, and paid holidays

What you will be doing

• Serving trade customers face‑to‑face and over the phone
• Building relationships and supporting sales
• Learning our product range (kitchens, joinery, materials)
• Supporting stock control and deliveries
• Developing confidence in a fast‑paced depot environment

Who we’re looking for

• We hire for attitude and potential, not experience
• Friendly, confident and keen to learn and get stuck in
• Reliable and organised
• Looking for a long‑term career, not just a job

Where this role can take you

• Trade Counter Sales
• Business Development
• Kitchen Design
• Depot Management

About Howdens:

Howdens Joinery is a highly successful FTSE 100 business, with more than 900 depots nationwide and more than 11,000 staff. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we continue to experience significant growth and success. Despite our scale, Howdens remains a local business with traditional values.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast‑paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens - and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We're working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email (url removed) with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.

Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.