Commercial Apprentice

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

Commercial Apprentice 
Felling, Tyne & Wear
Starting Salary £19,360 increasing annually based on performance 

Apprentice – Introduction 
If you have A levels or existing relevant Level 3 qualifications and are eager to learn and develop a career in a forward-thinking business that is a world expert in making coatings – this Commercial Apprentice role is for you.

Operating in over 150 countries, AkzoNobel is home to well-known brands, such as the UK’s favourite Dulux paint, and has been awarded Top Employer status in the UK & Europe. We are now recruiting a Commercial Apprentice who will spend four years developing skills and experience across customer service, technical sales and key account management in preparation to becoming a Sales Executive for our coatings business.

Sitting within our Marine, Protective and Yacht business unit, our products are used to coat everything from some of the world’s tallest and most sustainable buildings to 120-feet-long superyachts and liquefied natural gas projects in impossibly remote areas. Our anti-corrosive protection, fouling control technologies, passive fire protection and aesthetic solutions are underpinned by unrivalled customer service and in-field support, no matter where our customers are based.

Apprentice – The Role
•    Take part in on/off-the-job training to gain exposure to real-world business challenges.
•    Supported & empowered to gain cross-functional skillset.
•    Coached & mentored to develop our global sales competencies.
•    Support local sales activity.
•    Act as first level contact for customers for order receipt, quotations, answers to questions & in attempting to resolve complaints.
•    Manage order receipt efficiently.
•    Build customer/product knowledge to find solutions for customer needs.
•    Advise on paint specification, provide recommendations for preparation & application.
•    Help identify/develop new business opportunities.

Apprentice – About You
•    ‘A’ levels in English/Maths/IT based subjects 
•    Proficient in MSOffice
•    Excellent communication, presentation & interpersonal skills
•    Enjoys a collaborative working environment where supporting colleagues is key.
•    Able to deliver on your commitments and take ownership, whilst also ensuring you focus on both your internal and external customer.
•    Enjoys sharing knowledge & skills.
•    Good at solving problems.
•    Curiosity to question & a willingness to learn.

Apprentice – What Is In It For You 
We offer great personal development opportunities and roles with breadth, depth of scope and impact. We also offer comprehensive packages including:
•    Starting salary of £19,360 increasing annually 
•    Salary of £25,500 once fully qualified
•    25 days holiday excluding bank holidays
•    Income protection
•    Staff discount at Dulux Decorator Centre stores
•    Employee Assistance Programme
•    Employee Life Assurance
•    Company pension
•    product discounts 
•    Flexible benefits scheme offering benefits including childcare vouchers, Gymflex, retail card, dental cover and more!

Apprentice – How to Apply 
Apply online via the link below and we will get back to you. 
Shortlisted candidates will then be issued with instructions to submit a short video interview. 

We have been inventing the future for more than two centuries and need people like you to be part of the team.  

We are advocates of a healthy work life balance and mental wellbeing. We are happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.