Trade Supplier Apprenticeship

About the course

As a Trade Supplier Apprentice, you’ll play a crucial role in facilitating the efficient sale of goods and services between trade businesses and their skilled customers, with opportunities to work across sectors such as electrical, plumbing, and joinery.

Our programme is developed in partnership with industry leaders including Screwfix, Selco, and the Grafton Group.

This apprenticeship uniquely combines hands-on training in both the warehouse and trade counter, with a strong emphasis on understanding and managing customer needs. You’ll gain a broad range of skills and knowledge, preparing you for progression within the industry.

You’ll build technical expertise in the products your trade business offers, alongside the communication skills needed to confidently handle sales at the trade counter and over the phone - delivering high-quality service and account management that fosters repeat business.

This programme is government-regulated and funded through the apprenticeship levy or other government schemes.

Is this course right for you?

Our trade supplier apprenticeship is practical and tailored for those aiming to become skilled and successful trade suppliers. It’s also perfect for individuals already working in the trade sector who want to enhance and advance their skills.

No formal qualifications are required, though strong literacy and numeracy skills will be a valuable asset.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll receive support from an expert team and benefit from a programme developed by leading trade industry professionals, ensuring a high-quality learning experience designed by the sector, for the sector.

What you’ll learn

This programme will equip you with the confidence and skills to effectively handle customer requests and enquiries, providing the right products and services. Whether your role involves sales, purchasing, logistics, or administrative tasks, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed.

Throughout the programme, we’ll cover a broad range of topics to develop your skills and prepare you for the end point assessment. 

Learning topics include:

• An overview of the UK’s trade and merchanting sector and your organisation’s role within it
• Understanding the products, services, and language used by customers, including their technical applications
• Sales techniques such as effective listening, telesales, face-to-face selling, merchandising, and data protection
• Customer processes including repairs, returns, replacements, and refunds
• Managing relationships with internal and external customers
• Training on technology and systems used in the trade environment
• Order taking and delivery management

• Health & safety and security, including the sale of restricted goods and safe storage practices

How you’ll learn

Our team consists of highly skilled and experienced professionals who will share their expertise and support you throughout your journey.

Your learning experience will include:

• A dedicated specialist trainer providing ongoing training, guidance, and support
• Webinars
• Interactive online workshops
• Guided learning tasks
• Online learning resources and support 
• 1-to-1 support, including coaching and tailored advice 
• Assignments and work-based research projects
• Regular progress reviews, including pre-gateway and final gateway reviews
• Preparation and support for your End Point Assessment (EPA)

Our blended learning approach ensures you gain practical, real-world skills while building the confidence and knowledge to excel in your  career.