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.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and ambitious individual to join our Packaging Manufacturing site in Louth 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
- 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 Centre: To be confirmed
Ready to build a future in engineering with a business driving sustainable innovation? Apply now and grow your career with DS Smith.
We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria. 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.
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