Retail Apprentice

To support the day-to-day operations of a busy Plumbing & Heating merchant counter.To assist in delivering excellent customer service across the plumbing, heating and renewables product ranges, both in the trade counter and yard.To help ensure all areas of the branch operate safely, efficiently and in line with company standards.

What will the apprentice be doing?
- Provide a high standard of customer service at all times, assisting customers with plumbing and heating enquiries and directing them to the correct products
- Support the trade counter by helping customers identify and select appropriate plumbing and heating materials (e.g. pipework, fittings, boilers, radiators, and accessories)
- Assist with goods in and out, including loading and unloading delivery vehicles, checking in stock, and safely storing plumbing and heating products
- Carry out gate person responsibilities, helping to minimise stock loss by monitoring vehicles and, where required, checking outgoing loads
- Pick, pack, and prepare customer orders accurately, including trade collections and online orders, ensuring correct plumbing and heating items are supplied
- Replenish stock on the shop floor and in the warehouse, ensuring plumbing and heating products are well presented, correctly labelled, and easy to locate
- Learn to safely handle a wide range of materials including pipes, radiators, sanitaryware, and heating equipment, using manual handling techniques and equipment (e.g. forklift truck if trained)
- Sort, organise, and manage stock within the warehouse and yard, maintaining clear and safe storage areas
- Keep all working areas clean, tidy, and compliant with health and safety requirements, particularly when handling equipment and materials used in plumbing and heating
- Develop knowledge of core plumbing and heating systems and products to support customer queries and build confidence in a trade environment
- Undertake any other reasonable duties in line with the role and level of responsibility
What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

Retailer Level 2.
We host supporting workshops regularly throughout the apprenticeship which you will attend in person at our designated training site/campus. These workshops are carefully designed to support the learning required throughout the apprenticeship programme.
You will work with expert assessors and tutors to develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours within the profession.
You will experience a blended learning model.
What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Full-time permanent employment and further career progression for the right candidate.
Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience
Qualifications

GCSE English (Grade 4) Essential
GCSE Maths (Grade 4) Essential

Vacancy Information

Annual wage £16,640 a year
Expected duration 1 Year 2 Months
Possible start date 01 Jul 2026
Date posted 19 May 2026
Reference number 2000032346
Positions 1 available

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About the employer

With over 180 years’ trading experience, the Howarth Timber Group has grown to provide not only the widest range of products, but expertise, service, and knowledge you can rely on.

Now the UK’s largest privately‑owned timber company, our origins can be traced back to 1840 when we commenced trading as Hudson & Co. Over the years the Howarth Timber Group has expanded from a one‑man company to an employer of more than 1,000 people specialists who know the industry inside out. We take great pride in our teams of local experts serving our local communities.