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
Training:Training will be through a mix of on-the-job experience and off-the-job learning. As well as support from a mentor, depot team, learning and development team and external apprenticeship training provider.
Training Outcome: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
Employer Description:owdens 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.Working Hours :Varied shifts TBC. Monday - Friday.Skills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Customer care skills,Independent working,Genuine interest and passion....Read more...
As an Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer, you will learn to undertake all the tasks and responsibilities of the Kitchen Sales Designer role.
Design:
To plan and design inspirational kitchens using the company’s range of products
You will be required to visit sites to measure and evaluate the customer’s needs
To effectively communicate with builders and the end user, amending plans as required
An essential part of this role is using your product knowledge confidently, to ensure that you deal with customer enquiries before, during and after-sales
Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations whilst in the depot and during on-site visits
Sales:
To provide the customer with enough choice, advice and after-sales to leave a lasting impression of the depot
To achieve and exceed individual and depot targets
To negotiate prices, ensuring you are maintaining growth in your margin
Manage and maintain your own lead bank, keeping it updated and staying in contact with the customer
To provide potential and existing customers with the highest level of service
To assist with any other reasonable request to fulfil the requirements of the business and smooth operation of the depot
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities but outlines the main points of the role
Key performance indicators:
Timely progress with the off the job apprenticeship work
Positive customer feedback and progress through 1-2-1 reviews
Sales revenue generated from kitchen plans
Targets met or exceeded
Completion of the Apprenticeship Standard or Framework, supported by the training provider
Key challenges:
To dedicate time to apprenticeship related to independent studies, development, and assignments
Prioritisation and staying organised, particularly during busy periods, daily tasks, and additional responsibilities
Build and maintain relationships with customers and fellow team members, while working towards your individual targets
Constantly reviewing new products and staying commercially aware, demonstrating credible product knowledge
Manage your lead bank to reach its full potential, providing excellent customer service and staying in contact with the customer during the process
Effectively influencing the customer and making persuasive recommendations on how to proceed with their kitchen design needs and closing the sale
Maintaining a high calibre of work at all times, whilst staying organised and motivated in a positive manner
Training:As part of the Level 3 Fitted Furniture Design Technician Apprenticeship Standard qualification, you will learn how to:
Working safely at all times, following relevant legislation and regulations, and ensuring the safety of yourself and others
Plan, organise and manage furniture design and/or installation projects from conception to completion
Create suitable fitted furniture designs and concepts for furniture to be installed meeting customer requirements
Present fitted furniture designs to customers in order to get buy-in and agree on next stages
Survey locations accurately in order to produce suitable designs for furniture to be installed
Provide accurate quotes to customers, cost and prices of fitted furniture concept designs using quoting software systems in order to secure sales
Maintain fitted furniture retail showrooms in good condition in order to gain customer interest in products and services
Deliver on fitted furniture sales targets and enhance opportunities for further income growth
Provide an effective fitted furniture after-sales service for customers to maintain and enhance their business reputation and secure repeat business
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers and other relevant stakeholders
Deliver excellent customer service, realise and maintain customer expectations when working in a fitted furniture design environment
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment:
Level 3 Fitted Furniture Design Technician qualification
Training and training location to be confirmed
Training schedule has yet to be agreed. Details will be made available at a later date
Training Outcome:
Progression options may be available within Howdens and the depot such as full-time employment
Employer Description:Howdens Joinery is the UK's largest manufacturer and supplier of fitted kitchens, appliances and joinery products from local stock, with almost 700 Depots Nationwide.Working Hours :Days and shifts are to be confirmed (TBC)Skills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Creative,Initiative,full driving license desirable....Read more...
Operate and maintain workshop machinery and tools safely and effectively.
Manufacture a variety of products with precision and attention to detail.
Gain practical knowledge of materials, processes, and workshop techniques.
Work proactively alongside experienced colleagues to support production.
Build the strong foundations needed to progress into a future CAD and design role.
Training:
You will work towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Hull College, a leading provider of engineering apprenticeships.
Training will combine on-the-job learning with structured teaching to develop both practical and technical knowledge.
Training Outcome:
The successful apprentice will have the opportunity to progress to higher qualifications such as Level 3.
The long-term pathway for this role is to move into a CAD designer and nester position, applying workshop experience to design and optimisation.
This is a genuine chance to build a long-term career within the business.
Employer Description:Founded in 2023, The Joinery Workshop Ltd specializes in providing high-quality kitchen worktops, solid surfaces, and a wide range of lounge, bedroom, and dining furniture crafted from premium materials. Our extensive experience in retail shop-fitting spans across the UK.
Located in Hull, our factory offers a variety of bespoke joinery services including CNC machining, comprehensive spray and polish solutions, and more.Working Hours :Working week, between 8am-5pm, Monday - Friday.Skills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working....Read more...
