Trade Sales and Service Apprentice

Howdens Joinery; Leigh on Sea; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Pension

Paid holidays

Mentor support

Job summary

Howdens Joinery is seeking an apprentice for a Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship at the Leigh-on-Sea Depot. The role offers hands-on experience, customer-facing work, and a structured mentor program, with a focus on developing product knowledge and sales skills.

The position emphasizes long-term development within the business, including opportunities to progress into sales and depot leadership as you gain experience in a busy trading environment.

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

Potential

Friendly

Learn quickly

Reliable

Organised

Education

Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship

Job description

Build your future and launch your career with Howdens

Forget the typical 9-5. At Howdens, you'll be part of a busy, hands-on team from day one, learning, earning, and building a career with real progression. For many of our apprentices, this role is where it all begins, building the confidence, skills and relationships to progress into sales and depot leadership.

We're proud to be a UK Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer, and we're looking for someone motivated to join us.

About the Apprenticeship

• Location: Leigh-on-Sea Depot Essex
• £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

Your application will be carefully reviewed, and we'll be in touch to let you know the next steps. If you're shortlisted, a member of our recruitment team will contact you to discuss your application further.

Please note:

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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.