Howdens: From Apprentice To Depot Manager

Howdens, the UK’s leading trade kitchen supplier, is championing apprentices this National Apprenticeship Week with success stories from its team. 

Hayley Burton-Pye [pictured below] began her career in 1998 as an apprentice administrator at a Howdens depot and is now Manager at the Stourbridge depot in the West Midlands, where the team manages a large number of trade accounts and is proud to deliver exceptional service. Depot Manager Hayley says; "I got to experience a variety of responsibilities, from admin work to customer service and business development. It gave me confidence in dealing with tradespeople and understanding their needs” 

Hayley credits her apprenticeship with providing a strong foundation for her future career. After completing her qualification, Hayley transitioned to a permanent role as a Business Developer, which allowed her to build strong relationships with local tradespeople—many of whom still trade with her team more than 25 years later. 

Reflecting on her journey, Hayley said, “When I left school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do or how I would get there. Without the apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have joined Howdens or had the incredible opportunities I’ve had throughout my career.” 

Hayley is a passionate advocate for apprenticeships and their impact on both individuals and the business. “It’s a fantastic starting point for a great career with lots of opportunities. I’ve had many apprentices start with me who are now Depot Managers, Assistant Managers, Designers, Reps, Business Developers, or working in the warehouse.” 

She added, “It’s such a challenging time for young people who are unsure about their future after school. Apprenticeships provide them with a qualification, a great salary, and, most importantly, hands-on experience. At our depot, we’ve had apprentices for many years and will continue to do so. As an apprentice, you’re given time to learn and train on the job without the immediate pressure of getting everything right. This creates a supportive environment where you can build your confidence and skills. 

“It’s a great way to start your career path while receiving valuable training and experience. For me, it was the foundation of everything I’ve achieved at Howdens.” 

At the start of his apprenticeship journey, Lewis Kenny, Apprentice Business Developer at Liverpool Sandhills [pictured below], joined Howdens after studying for his A-Levels and considering different career options. 

"There are quite a few reasons, to consider an apprenticeship" Lewis says. "Certainly, to begin with, would be the fact that I learn and earn. More than that, however, I am completely aware of my chances to progress in the company after my apprenticeship if I perform to an exceptional standard. At a depot level, the Early Careers Co-ordinator, my team, and my depot manager have all guided me in the expectations for an apprentice and then assisted and given me more and more opportunities throughout the last six months. It actually feels like I'm an integrated member already within the depot. 

"I much prefer the hands-on workload of an apprenticeship over the academic workload in a college; therefore, I am a lot less stressed, and I feel that I can actually learn, grow, and develop here. I have high hopes to go far with Howdens—I am certain that I can make that a reality with this apprenticeship behind me. Howdens is a great company to work for. It feels more like a company you work with rather than for.” 

For more information about apprenticeships at Howdens, visit https://careers.howdens.com/your-role/our teams/apprenticeships?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social. 

To find out more about Howdens products, visit Howdens.com. 

Source : Howdens

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