Trade Sales Apprentice Review

Item: Trade Sales Apprentice at Howdens
Rating: 2.4
Author: Anonymous

at Howdens

Level 2 Apprenticeship

Business Operations, Sales

Neyland

Review Submitted: February 2026

Overall Rating

2.4 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

3/5 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

1.8/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

4/5

As a Trade Sales & Service Apprentice, my main role is to support the depot team in delivering excellent service to our trade customers. I learn how the business operates while developing skills in sales, customer service, and product knowledge. I place orders both over the counter and over the phone, making sure everything is processed accurately and efficiently for our customers.
Because Howdens works directly with trade professionals the focus is on building strong, long-term relationships and ensuring customers can complete their projects smoothly and on time.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

2/5

I really enjoy my job and the team I work with. Being in the depot environment at Howdens is fast-paced and customer-focused, which suits me well. I like interacting with customers, placing orders, and being part of a supportive team — it’s helped me grow in confidence and develop practical skills which is what I wanted when applying for this role.
In terms of the apprenticeship programme itself, I haven’t yet had as much structured training as I expected. However, I’m keen to gain more formal training and make the most of the learning opportunities If they become available, as I want to continue developing within the company.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

Yes, I’ve developed several new skills during my time at Howdens particularly on the administrative side of the business.
I’ve learned how to process paperwork correctly, including invoices and return processes, and how to use the till system confidently when placing orders over the counter or taking payments including cash payments. I’ve also started to understand how margins work and why they’re important to the business, which has improved my commercial awareness.
Overall, I’ve become more confident handling transactions, and more aware of the financial side of a depot.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

2/5

The apprenticeship itself hasn’t felt very well structured so far. I am sent units to complete independently and then wait for my tutor to contact me, which can sometimes take a while. I haven’t actually met my tutor yet, even though I’ve been with Howdens for eight months. I understand that observations are part of the programme.
That said, I do enjoy learning about the apprenticeship content and I’m interested in developing my knowledge further. I just feel that the overall structure and communication could be improved to make the experience more consistent and supportive.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

2/5

I do receive support from my colleagues at Howdens, and the team are approachable if I ask for help. However, I do feel there has been a lack of structured training at times, and I’m sometimes expected to know more than I’ve actually been shown.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

2/5

When working towards my qualifications, support is available from the training provider if I reach out to my tutor, they are able to help and provide guidance on the units I’m completing.
While help is there when needed, more consistent communication or scheduled check-ins would make the process feel more structured and supportive.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

1/5

At the moment, I don’t feel that my qualification through the training provider has significantly helped me perform better in my role. Most of the skills I use day-to-day at Howdens have been learned through hands-on experience and knowledge i already have. Although the units are related to work i do in work.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

2/5

There aren’t formal extra-curricular activities such as sports teams or organised networking events in my depot at Howdens. However, we do have a strong team environment, and there are occasional social events outside of day-to-day work.
Most of the focus is on the operational side of the business, but the team dynamic itself creates a positive and supportive working environment.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Howdens to a friend?

Yes

Why?

I would recommend Howdens Joinery to friends because it’s a supportive and team-focused working environment. The people I work with make a big difference — everyone is approachable, and there’s a strong sense of teamwork in the depot.
It’s also a fast-paced role where you gain responsibility, which helps build confidence and independence. Even though there are areas that could be improved in terms of apprenticeship structure, the job itself provides valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to develop practical business skills.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Howdens?

Confidence and good communication skills are really important, as you’ll be dealing with trade customers over the counter and on the phone daily.
I’d also say be proactive with your learning. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for support if you’re unsure about something. Showing willingness to learn and getting stuck in with all aspects of the depot — from paperwork and invoicing to serving customers — will help you settle in quickly.
Most importantly, be reliable and have a positive attitude. The team environment makes a big difference, so being someone others can depend on is key.

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