Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer - Leeds Area 2026 Cohort

Design a career. Build your future. Learn with the UK’s Number 1 Trade Supplier

This isn’t a standard apprenticeship – and this isn’t a role you’ll be forgotten in.

In June 2026, Howdens is launching a brand‑new, enhanced cohort programme for Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designers across major city regions in the North of England. This programme has senior leadership backing, additional learning, and a community of apprentices progressing together.

If you’re ambitious, people‑focused and interested in sales, design and building relationships, this is an outstanding way to start a long‑term career with one of the UK’s most successful businesses.

What makes this apprenticeship different?

You’ll be part of a regional cohort, learning and developing together from day one. Alongside your depot‑based role, you’ll benefit from:

• Cohorted classroom sessions with apprentices from day one
• Direct learning from Howdens experts, including:
• Lead Kitchen Sales Designers
• Product and category teams
• Internal sales and leadership teams
• Close support from Learning & Development and training partners
• One-to-one support from your apprenticeship coach
• Strong visibility and sponsorship from senior leaders
• A structured, supportive route into a sales career with real progression

This programme is designed to help you fast-track your career into a future top performer and sales leader, not just fill a role.

The role – what you’ll be learning to do

As an Apprentice Kitchen Sales Designer, you’ll learn how to turn ideas into reality.

You’ll work with professional builders and their customers to:

• Understand customer needs and lifestyle requirements
• Visit homes to measure and plan kitchen spaces
• Design inspirational kitchens using Howdens’ market‑leading products and design tools
• Create high‑quality visuals using our My Kitchen design service
• Price, plan and manage orders accurately and professionally
• Build long‑lasting relationships based on trust and service

This is a sales role, but it’s also creative, relationship‑focused, and highly skilled.

Who this programme is for

You don’t need experience in kitchens or sales – we’ll teach you that.

We’re looking for people who:

• Enjoy talking to people and building relationships
• Are motivated, driven and keen to succeed
• Like problem‑solving and being creative
• Have a competitive spirit
• Want a long‑term career, not just a short‑term job
• Are organised, reliable and ready to take responsibility
• Are open to learning, feedback and personal development

Apprenticeship details

• Level 3 Fitted Furniture Design Technician Apprenticeship
• Duration: approximately 14 months
• Delivered through a blend of:
• On‑the‑job learning
• Cohorted classroom sessions
• Support from Howdens’ Learning & Development team
• External training provider input
• Support provided to achieve English and maths (if required)

Locations & travel

Roles are available across the following city regions:

• Liverpool
• Manchester
• Leeds
• Sheffield
• Newcastle

You’ll occasionally visit customer homes and sites, so a driving licence is required. Business mileage will be reimbursed.

Reward & benefits

• Starting salary: £16,686
• Paid holiday entitlement
• Generous pension scheme
• Team incentives and social events
• Staff discount on Howdens products

Most importantly, you’ll gain skills, confidence and experience that open doors – within Howdens and throughout your career.

About Howdens

Howdens is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier, trusted by over 460,000 trade professionals. With over 900 depots and strong local relationships, we’re a business built on teamwork, entrepreneurship, and long‑term careers.

We’re proud to be recognised as a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer for the last four years, and we care deeply about developing our future talent.

For any questions about this programme or how to apply: apprenticeships@howdens.com