Customer Service Practitioner Apprentice

Summary

At Piping Hot Stoves, we are dedicated to delivering outstanding products and installations to our customers from within our two showrooms and on-site at our project locations. We are currently looking to employ a Showroom Host/Customer Service Apprentice to work at our busy retail showrooms.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Wage to be reviewed based on performance

Training course

Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Hours

Monday - Saturday, 8.30am - 5.00pm.

40 hours a week

Start date

Saturday 7 June 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

Greet customers and gather information regarding their requirements
Showroom host would be expected to ensure would be the first person to greet the customers and ensure an excellent customer experience
Handle incoming telephone calls, emails and greeting general customers face-to-face
General housekeeping of the showroom ensuring the shopfloor is tidy, clean and looking smart
Display product knowledge to our customers giving them advice and guidance to meet their needs
Assist and learn from other colleagues and work as a part of the wider Piping Hot Stoves team
Dealing with customer conflict and challenge
Display interpersonal skills and influencing skills with clear and concise explanation
Meeting regulations and legislation – knowledge on this will be provided
Be open to feedback on own performance from customers, managers and colleagues
Produce quotes and assist with inquiries
Provide visual support to the customer using a variety of techniques including TV, Rightmove and YouTube to demonstrate how certain products would work/fit in a commercial/residential property

Where you’ll work

7 Mandale Retail Park
Portrack Lane
Stockton On Tees
Cleveland
TS18 2LX

Training

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

College or training organisation

MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE

Your training course

Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Equal to GCSE

Course contents

Use a range of questioning skills, including listening and responding in a way that builds rapport, determines customer needs and expectations and achieves positive engagement and delivery.
Depending on your job role and work environment: Use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills, along with summarising language during face-to-face communications; and/or
Depending on your job role and work environment: Use appropriate communication skills, along with reinforcement techniques (to confirm understanding) during non-facing customer interactions.
Depending on your job role and work environment: Use an appropriate ‘tone of voice’ in all communications, including written and digital, that reflect the organisation’s brand.
Provide clear explanations and offer options in order to help customers make choices that are mutually beneficial to both the customer and your organisation.
Be able to organise yourself, prioritise your own workload/activity and work to meet deadlines.
Demonstrate patience and calmness.
Show you understand the customer’s point of view.
Use appropriate sign-posting or resolution to meet your customers needs and manage expectations.
Maintain informative communication during service recovery.

Your training plan

Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner
Day release one day per week
Middlesbrough College

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 3)

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
Customer care skills
Team working
Confident with customers
Smart appearance
Interpersonal Skills

Other requirements

This vacancy is to start immediately therefore you must be available to start before applying. All closing, interview and start dates are subject to change and may close early if sufficient applications are received. Please ensure you apply early to avoid disappointment. Northern Skills will check candidates' eligibility prior to any interviews.

About this company

As a family-run business, customer satisfaction is at the heart of what we do. We are passionate about our work and committed to providing a service that makes our customers feel like friends. With many years of experience, we have become well-known across the local area for our exceptional service. No matter your stove requirements, one of our friendly team members will work closely with you to help you find the stove of your dreams.

https://pipinghotstovesstockton.co.uk/about-us/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Free onsite parking

After this apprenticeship

Depending on the circumstances of the business upon completion of the apprenticeship programme there could be a potential position of employment available

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: