Engineering Technician Apprentice

Kickstart your engineering career with a global leader in sustainable packaging

DS Smith is a world-leading provider of fibrebased 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 lowcarbon 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 boxtobox in 14 days model.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and ambitious individual to join our Packaging Manufacturing site in Louth as a MultiSkilled Engineering Technician Apprentice.

If you are curious handson 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 4year programme blending practical engineering and academic learning
• Training delivered by Make UK with weekday accommodation & travel fully funded
• Starting salary: 19000 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 4week blocks at Make UK (Birmingham) studying practical and BTEC units
• Return to site for 2week placements applying your new skills
• Progress towards your BTEC Level 3 Diploma
• All Birmingham stays (MonFri) 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 EndPoint Assessment

What Youll Be Doing

As you grow throughout your apprenticeship youll 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 problemsolving

Who You Are - Living the DS Smith Values

• Be Caring: Inclusive respectful and collaborative
• Be Trusted: Reliable detailfocused 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 fastpaced 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.

About us

Were 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 were 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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