Engineering Apprentice

Are you interested in joining Howdens as an Engineering Apprentice? Howdens can offer you a fantastic opportunity to develop a rewarding career, with great earning potential where you will learn and develop new skills based at our manufacturing site in Howden, East Yorkshire starting from September 2023.

We are looking for ambitious and motivated individuals who can demonstrate the potential to become an integral part of our business. Our culture is fast paced and entrepreneurial and as a Howdens employee there is an opportunity for real career progression and excellent benefits. 

We have a successful track record of developing our people through the Howdens apprenticeship scheme where you will gain recognised skills and qualifications and be fully supported through mentoring and training. 

The apprenticeship:

This is a 4-year apprenticeship where you will be based at our training provider, HETA (Humberside Engineering Training Association) and need to attend full time at one of the HETA engineering colleges in Hull, Stallingborough or Scunthorpe during the first year of your apprenticeship.

• Year 1 - You will learn the basics of engineering and will complete practical and theoretical training in Mechanical Maintenance, Hand Fitting, Electrical Maintenance and CAD
• Year 2 – You will be working full time at our manufacturing site in Howden where you will have the opportunity to work with key equipment and undertake practical learning across the site. This will support you in understanding the equipment you will be responsible for, build key relationships and learn from your colleagues. Alongside this you will continue to gather evidence for your portfolio
• Year 3 - You will continue your onsite training whilst working towards your end point assessment of the Level 3 MOET (Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician). You will also start your HNC and return to HETA one day per week
• Year 4 – On completion of your apprenticeship, you will gain a Level 3 MOET qualification with HNC (Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician)

What we’re looking for:

• 5 predicted or achieved GCSE Grade 5 (or equivalent) which must include Maths, English, Science & one other subject.
• Confident communication and natural problem solving skills.
• A willingness to learn and develop your skills and knowledge.

The application process:

As part of your application, you will need to pass HETA’s online testing and assessments to be accepted onto their apprenticeship course.  On successful completion, applications will be carefully considered and shortlisted candidates will be invited to Howdens to attend an assessment and interview.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive apprenticeship salary (and monthly production bonus after your first year)
• A permanent role with Howdens upon successful completion of the apprenticeship
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• Exceptional training and development programme
• Apprentice community of over 600 apprentices across the UK and graduation ceremony on completion of programme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
• Free daily lunch at our onsite restaurant and free onsite parking
• Exceptional reward and recognition events

About Howdens:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 800 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa 2.1bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.