Trade Sales and Service Apprentice

Howden Joinery Ltd; Bromsgrove; On-site; GBP 16,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading trade kitchen supplier is seeking enthusiastic individuals for a Trade Sales and Service Apprenticeship. This role offers a structured development programme combining practical experience with training. You will learn customer service, sales, stock control, and gain valuable skills in a supportive environment. A competitive salary of £15,704 is included, along with various rewards and benefits.

Benefits

Paid holiday entitlement

Matched contribution pension scheme

Team incentives and social events

Generous staff discount on products

Qualifications

• 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.
• Good organization and time management.
• A genuine interest in developing your skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional service and build relationships with trade customers.
• Serve and sell to customers on the trade counter.
• Gain product knowledge and advise customers on our ranges.
• Learn stock control principles and ensure safety regulations.
• Grow confidence and communication skills in a team environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Customer-focused mindset

Proactive attitude

Organizational skills

Time management

Job description

About the role

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

• 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

Qualifications

• 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

Programme Details

• 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)

About Howdens

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. 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

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.

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