Engineering Technician Apprentice

Overview

Kick‑start your engineering career with a global leader in sustainable packaging. DS Smith is a world‑leading provider of fibre‑based, sustainable packaging solutions, supported by our integrated recycling and papermaking operations. Through our purpose of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World, we are driving the transition to a more circular, low‑carbon economy. Our solutions help major brands reduce carbon, replace problem plastics and keep materials in use for longer - supported by our innovative design capabilities and our unique “box‑to‑box in 14 days” model.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and ambitious individual to join our Packaging Manufacturing site in Burscough as a Multi‑Skilled Engineering Technician Apprentice.

If you are curious, hands‑on, and excited by real‑world engineering, sustainability and new technologies, this apprenticeship is an excellent pathway into a long‑term engineering career.

Why Choose DS Smith?

• Structured 4‑year programme blending practical engineering and academic learning
• Training delivered by Make UK, with weekday accommodation & travel fully funded
• Starting salary: £19,000, with annual increases
• Expert support from tutors, workplace coaches and mentors
• Clear route into a permanent Mechanical or Electrical Engineer role

Your Training Journey

Years 1- 3: Build your foundations

• Spend 4‑week blocks at Make UK (Birmingham) studying practical and BTEC units
• Return to site for 2‑week placements applying your new skills
• Progress towards your BTEC Level 3 Diploma
• All Birmingham stays (Mon–Fri) fully paid for by DS Smith

Year 4: Step up & qualify

• Fully based on-site in our factory
• Take on real engineering responsibilities
• Complete your Level 3 Diploma and End‑Point Assessment

What You’ll Be Doing

As you grow throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll support our Engineering team with:

• Carrying out planned preventative maintenance
• Responding to reactive repairs and improving equipment performance
• Learning to source spare parts and manage service contracts
• Maintaining accurate equipment records and documenting root cause analysis
• Meeting site and group engineering KPIs
• Ensuring compliance with engineering standards and policies
• Managing or supporting maintenance contractors
• Upholding excellent safety and housekeeping across workshops and the wider site

What You Need

• 5 GCSEs (A - C / 4+) including English, Maths and Science (or equivalent)
• A genuine interest in engineering, technology and problem‑solving

Who You Are - Living The DS Smith Values

• Be Caring: Inclusive, respectful and collaborative
• Be Trusted: Reliable, detail‑focused and committed to quality
• Be Challenging: Curious, analytical and eager to improve processes
• Be Responsive: Proactive, engaged and interested in new technologies
• Be Tenacious: Resilient, adaptable and ready for a fast‑paced environment

Recruitment Timeline

• Applications close: Sunday, 10 May 2026
• Online Assessments: 11 – 17 May 2026
• Assessment Centres: Week commencing 25 May

Ready to build a future in engineering with a business driving sustainable innovation?

Apply now and grow your career with DS Smith.

About Us

We’re DS Smith, the company who are redefining packaging for a changing world. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e‑commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market‑leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America.

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.

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