Liam Archer, Former Apprentice Warehouse Person now Assistant Depot Manager, HJ Chepstow

Before Howdens I was in Sixth Form at Wyedean School, I was in a predicament in life where I had to choose between getting an Apprenticeship or Staying in Education. I didn't know what career path I wanted at the time, I had already done Kitchen Porter, Car Mechanics and Cleaning. So when I made the decision of Apprenticeship I applied for every available apprentice in the area, I had never heard of Howdens before applying but I looked into it at the time of applying and thought to myself "Kitchens, I could do that".

Why did you choose to apply for an apprenticeship with Howdens?

I only applied because I needed an Apprenticeship, I was at a time in my life that I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to work.

How has your apprenticeship positively helped you to prepare for your current role?

Without the apprenticeship I would have never achieved what I have achieved in my working life. The apprenticeship helped me know what career I wanted to focus in. And since then, I have loved every part of my journey.

Can you share a specific moment or project during your apprenticeship that stands out as beneficial to your development?

All I can remember about being an apprentice is how at home the depot and Howdens made me feel. I felt like everyone was available to help. Staff and customers where very friendly and always up for a joke. Being from a big family I had always had "banter" with siblings, so coming into an environment where it was the same made it feel like home.

What difference has the apprenticeship made to your life?

Without this apprenticeship I wouldn't have found my forever career. I love Howdens and love Kitchens. Personally, Howdens has helped me with my career success, which has helped me with my family life because I now have a beautiful daughter that I am now able to afford and give the best childhood/life I can.

Reflecting back what did you enjoy most about the apprenticeship or work culture?

The environment that you're in working for Howdens is what makes the work culture enjoyable. Everyone that I have worked with, and the customers are all what makes coming to work enjoyable.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying for a Howdens' apprenticeship?

Go for it, make sure you work hard, and you will have the opportunity to progress like I have. The pay for apprentices now is double what I was on, and they pay you will get if you were to get taken on would be even better. The work events you get to go on are amazing and the people you get to meet are also amazing. But be prepared to work hard.