warehouse Review

On a daily basis my job consists of stock checks, either daily stock checks or self generated checks to keep stock correct and accessible. Loading and unloading deliveries for our stock or for a customer using the forklift to when needed. I also do general tasks around the warehouse such as cleaning or re-organising different sections.

The apprenticeship has helped me develop my knowledge into Joinery having no previous experience in this field. It has also taught me how to handle, store, and organise items properly and safely while also giving me the ability to pass my forklift certification. Accuracy is a big part of the job and I have learnt to be more vigilant when handing out stock.

I really enjoy the Apprenticeship programme as it has given me experience into an area of business I had none in. The workload is manageable never being overloaded but never doing nothing. The training received is very good and the instore support is excellent. However the contact with Programme provider is intermittent meaning I'm not always sure what I need to do next for the programme.

The Programme as a whole is well structured and clearly laid out. The day to day work is useful and rewarding while working towards the qualification. My responsibilities are clearly communicated to me so I always understand what needs to be done and how. The one downside would be lack of communication from qualification provider

the support I receive from my employer is excellent. I have 3 main forms of support on hand with my 2 other team mates in the warehouse as the first port of call then the assistant manager and the office team are always ready to help or answer my questions. the 3rd being the general manager of the depot if the need arises to ask for support from him.

when the assessor from the provider is in the depot he is very helpful in answering and clarifying things I am not too sure of. However I only see see the assessor every few months meaning I can be waiting around to find out what part of the apprenticeship I need to do next.

The work for the qualification helps to give me the basic understanding of how to safely carry out all the tasks in my job. While also making it worth while to learn and understand so I can achieve a useable qualification to bring forward in to my future careers and life.

As far as I am aware there are a few different extra -curricular activities at Howdens. As a team we try to do something as a team once a period whether it be go-karting or fishing or our annual Christmas night out having a meal and a few drinks as a team.

Yes

As a whole the company is great to work for with good opportunities for job progression with a very competitive wage. having never worked in this area of business they provide all the training and support you could need to start a career with the company. The culture of Howdens is amazing and very inclusive making it feel more like a family than a group of colleagues.

The only advice I could give would be to just apply as in my experience applying I was unsure if I had the correct qualifications or experience but after applying and getting an interview the process was great and straight forward and i was kept informed at all times of the progress of my application.