Apprentice Kitchen Designer Review

I am a kitchen designer in one of the Howdens depots. I go out and measure kitchens and come back to our depot and draw them up on our CAD system. I have the responsibility of meeting our monthly figure instructed to myself by my manager. Everyday is something different, not everyone wants the same kitchen.

When I first started working at Howdens I didn't know much about kitchens or anything about using the CAD. The staff helped me know everything I know today. Howdens sent me on a training course in Northampton. There I learnt a bit more than I already knew although I learnt more about how to do things faster and most efficiently.

I left Sixth form not knowing what I wanted to do, I joined Howdens joinery not knowing what to expect. I have enjoyed every day since, the company is fab to work for. My team are friendly and made me feel comfortable and part of their team before I knew it. Coming to work doesn't even feel like work.

Howdens joinery is a great company to work for, every member of the team value each other. One thing I find great is that no manager or assistant manager higher themselves over anyone else, everyone is on the same level. Customers begin to create relationships with you, this means you are surrounded by relationships. Everyone appreciates the hard work and effort you put into your day to day job.

My training program was a little uneasy at the start as my mentor changed within the first two months. Once I was settled with another mentor things soon picked up however I lost a lot of time with having to get organized with another instructor. Things would've been a lot easier if I had one to stick with but that isn't something anyone can help. I can't fault my training program as I learnt a lot from it, the training is only what you make of it.

I didn't hear much from my training provider I only ever heard from my mentor if she was visiting, I didn't find it very useful as she never gave me a time of when to expect her. I do think having times to expect her to visit would have helped me a lot. As I go out and visit customers there was a few occasions that we missed each other.

My employer couldn't have supported me anymore, every member of staff that I had contact with were more than happy to help.

My apprentice wage was a little tough to live with as I had a car to run to get to jobs etc, I was lucky as I had my parents to help me through but it was worth it as the full time wage makes a huge difference.

Howdens offer various events for you to attend and all are very good fun!

Yes

Read your contract well and take note of full time hours.