Trade Sales and Service Apprentice

Launch Your Sales Career with Howdens as a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice

Start your journey with Howdens as a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice — a 2-year, earn-while-you-learn programme that combines real-world depot experience with structured training across multiple areas of sales and customer service.

At Howdens, we’re proud to invest in early careers and to provide the tools and support needed to succeed. As a Trade Sales & Service Apprentice, you’ll rotate across different sales functions, from trade counter operations and telesales to kitchen design and customer site visits. You’ll gain hands-on experience while completing the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Sales, with support from your depot team, mentor, external training provider, and our in-house Learning and Development team.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Trade Sales and Service Apprentice, you’ll gain practical skills and knowledge across key areas of our depot’s sales operation:

Sales & Customer Service

• Build relationships with trade customers through in-person and telephone interactions
• Generate leads and support outbound sales calls
• Provide knowledgeable advice on our products and services
• Contribute to individual and depot sales targets
• Upsell and cross-sell the full range of Howdens products

Trade Counter & Depot Operations

• Support customers at the trade counter and process sales
• Handle orders accurately, including pricing and stock availability
• Help manage stock levels, invoicing, banking, and administration
• Promote safe working practices in line with Health & Safety regulations

Kitchen Sales & Design

• Assist in designing kitchens using CAD software
• Visit customer sites to measure spaces and assess design needs
• Collaborate with builders and homeowners to deliver tailored kitchen solutions
• Learn to negotiate and close sales that meet customer expectations and business goals

You’ll work closely with experienced colleagues, your workplace mentor, and the depot manager, building a solid foundation for a future full-time sales role with Howdens.

Travel is a key part of the role. You will need access to your own vehicle and a full (or in-progress) driving licence. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need previous sales experience — just the drive to learn, a customer-first mindset, and the ability to work well in a team. We’re looking for individuals who are:

• Confident communicators with a professional and friendly attitude
• Curious learners with an interest in sales, retail, or kitchen design
• Creative, detail-focused, and customer-centred

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships
• Good customer service skills
• Target driven
• Able to work independently and use your own initiative
• Effective planning and organisation skills
• Ability to manage and prioritise your own workload
• A strong desire for continuous personal and professional development
• The right to work in Ireland and relevant evidence
• A full driving licence is required (you may be considered if currently learning to drive)

The Apprenticeship

• Duration: 2 years
• Qualification: QQI validated NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Sales
• Structure: Blended learning – on-the-job training plus online classes and face-to-face workshops
• Support: Workplace mentor, depot team, in-house Learning and Development team, and external training provider

Location:

Apprenticeship to be undertaken in one of our trade depots: Togher, Blackpool or Little Island.

Entry Requirements

To apply, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Grade O6/H7 or higher in five Leaving Certificate subjects, including:
• Mathematics (F2/O6/H7)
• English or Irish (O6/H7)
• QQI Level 5 or higher qualification
• International equivalent of a full Level 5 qualification

Mature applicants (aged 21+) without a Level 5 qualification but with relevant experience may also be considered through an interview and supporting documentation

Rewards and Benefits

We believe in recognising and rewarding the hard work and dedication of our team members. In return for your commitment, you will receive:

• A competitive salary
• Paid holiday entitlement
• A generous matched-contribution pension scheme
• Team incentives and outings
• Staff discount on Howdens products
• Career development opportunities post apprenticeship