Trade Supplier Apprentice

Summary

Our Trade Supplier apprenticeship will teach you about dealing with customer sales at the trade counter and over the telephone. This can lead on to a variety of progression routes which may include management, sales, purchasing, account management, logistics, finance, marketing and HR.

Wage

£16,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

You may be entitled to a discretionary bonus for excellent performance.

Training course

Trade supplier (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm, with 1-hour for lunch.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

Communicate confidently to internal and external customers
Processing customer orders and taking delivery of goods
Build relationships and provide a high-quality service that encourages repeat business
Identify the customers’ requirements, matching them to the trade supplier’s products and services
Have technical knowledge of the products and services offered

Where you’ll work

107 South Liberty Lane
Ashton
Bristol
BS3 2SZ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

TRAVIS PERKINS PLC

Your training course

Trade supplier (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

Knowledge and understanding of the organisation’s: communicating confidently to internal and external customers about the company and how it operates
Knowledge and understanding of the organisation’s: identifying and communicating with the relevant person if a threat or risk to the business is identified
specialist trade customer profile of the business: using appropriate techniques and forms of communication to put customers at ease and gain their trust.
specialist trade customer profile of the business: delivering customer service that exceeds customer expectations
specialist trade customer profile of the business: identifying customer requirements and referring them onwards in an appropriate manner
trade counter and telesales services: assisting customers in exploring product ranges and alternative and complementary products and services, based on the fundamental underpinning product knowledge
trade counter and telesales services: identifying the customers’ requirements, matching them to the trade supplier’s products and services
trade counter and telesales services: delivering accurate product information, to enable the customer to make a decision on products and services and know how to access the detailed technical specification of a product when required.
trade counter and telesales services: securing a trade sale using appropriate selling techniques, both face to face and on the telephone, and methods to complete the transaction.
trade counter and telesales services: applying basic merchandising techniques used within the business.
trade counter and telesales services: applying the key principles of selling in a trade supplier environment, using a variety of methods, which may include unique selling points, upselling, and link selling to secure and complete sales transactions.
trade counter and telesales services: communicating with customers using various methods and systems appropriate to the situation
trade counter and telesales services: applying the key principles of administration and working practices to accurately prepare, store, communicate and process businesses documentation.
trade counter and telesales services: processing information, to the key standards of data protection, security and intellectual property rights.
key principles of warehousing and stock control: processing and recording the receipt, storage, assembly and despatch of goods.
key principles of warehousing and stock control: receiving stock, despatching customer orders and processing returns in line with company processes.
key principles of warehousing and stock control: loading /unloading of supplier and contractor vehicles
technologies that are appropriate to the role: using technology appropriately and efficiently in line with business policy, e.g. PoS (point of sale) machines, PCs
technologies that are appropriate to the role: demonstrating the use of various technologies, e.g. bespoke/in house or off the shelf software packages to others.
legislative responsibilities relating to the business, products and/or services being sold: complying with legal requirements to minimise risk and build customer confidence.
legislative responsibilities relating to the business, products and/or services being sold: minimising disruption to the business and maintaining the safety and security of people at all time
legislative responsibilities relating to the business, products and/or services being sold: taking appropriate action if a breach of H&S regulations is identified.
personal responsibilities and performance contribute to the success of the team and the business: building two-way trust and contribute to working within a team
personal responsibilities and performance contribute to the success of the team and the business: collaborating with colleagues to resolve problems.
personal responsibilities and performance contribute to the success of the team and the business: managing personal performance by completing tasks to agreed standards and timescales and by taking action to resolve problems and communicating issues beyond own level of competence.
personal responsibilities and performance contribute to the success of the team and the business: demonstrating effective time management through planning and prioritising own workload.
personal responsibilities and performance contribute to the success of the team and the business: identifying own strengths, weaknesses and development needs.

Your training plan

You will be working towards a Level 2 Trade Supplier qualification, as well as Functional Skills in English and maths if required. The training will all be done in-house at our branch in Ashton, Bristol. The training will be ongoing, with one day per week spent on working on a portfolio of skills and behaviours learned.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths and English (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Team working
Initiative
Good work ethic
Confident

Other requirements

The commute to Ashton, Bristol, can you easily get to work every day through public transport. The role may also involve some heavy lifting.

About this company

BBS Plumbing & Heating Supplies is a local independent family-owned plumbing & heating merchant. We've been established since 1933 and have extensive experience within the plumbing and heating sector. We have ambitious plans to grow our branches which will provide opportunity for progression.

https://www.bbsplumb.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Cycle to work scheme 25 days holiday Extra holiday for great attendance Wellbeing scheme and initiatives Company events throughout the year.

After this apprenticeship

This can lead on to a level 3 in management. The natural progression for this role would to be fully experienced as a trade suppler and then move on to an assistant branch manager role.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BRISTOL BUILDERS SUPPLIES LTD

Louisa Tuck

louisa.tuck@bbsplumb.co.uk

01173051937

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000316702.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 1 August 2025

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