Engineering Apprentice

DS Smith; King's Lynn and West Norfolk; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits as a Multi-Skilled Engineering Technician Apprentice at a leading packaging firm. Over a 4-year apprenticeship, you'll gain hands-on experience while supporting the Engineering Team in maintaining and improving equipment. This role offers a competitive starting salary with incremental increases, alongside the guidance of mentors and tutors. Join a diverse and inclusive workforce dedicated to redefining packaging solutions in a sustainable way. If you're motivated and ready to learn, this apprenticeship is the perfect launchpad for your engineering career.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science.
• Candidates will complete an online Aptitude Test.

Responsibilities

• Complete academic and practical training requirements.
• Support Engineering team in maintaining workshop standards.
• Develop and execute preventative maintenance plans.

Skills

Preventive Maintenance

Reactive Repair

Technical Compliance

Record Keeping

Education

5 GCSEs graded A-C

Job description

DS Smith Fordham, England, United Kingdom

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About The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and ambitious individual to join us as a Multi-Skilled Engineering Technician Apprentice at our Packaging Manufacturing site at Fordham.

During this 4-year Apprenticeship programme, in addition to attending learning sessions at college part time (full time in year 1), you will gain hands-on operational experience by assisting the Engineering Team in many areas including supporting planned preventative maintenance plans and carrying out reactive repair and improvement on equipment, whilst complying with DS Smith policies, procedures and Safety regulations.

Whilst based on a site, you will be part of the wider DS Smith team supporting and leading excellence in engineering.

A competitive Apprenticeship starting salary is offered, with incremental increases as you progress through your training. You will also receive the support of course tutors, workplace coaches and mentors to help you develop your skills and potential.

Responsibilities

• Complete the required academic and practical training requirements of the apprenticeship.
• Support the Engineering team in maintaining and improving housekeeping standards in engineering workshops and around the site.
• Develop and execute a planned preventative maintenance plan.
• Carry out reactive repair and improvement of equipment.
• Source spare parts and service contracts to improve performance and reduce costs.
• Maintain comprehensive equipment records including repairs, root causes, and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with asset management performance targets.
• Record performance to demonstrate adherence to KPIs.
• Engage with wider DS Smith engineering teams to ensure site compliance and stay informed of technical developments.
• Manage maintenance and repair sub-contractors.

Qualifications & Assessment

Minimum of 5 GCSEs graded A-C (4 and above), including English Language, Mathematics, and Science or equivalent.

Following initial screening, candidates will complete an online Aptitude Test. Successful candidates will be invited to an Assessment Day w/c 23rd June 2025, including activities and an interview with the Engineering Manager.

Things to Consider

You will need to balance responsibilities with academic work and travel to college and the DS Smith site throughout the apprenticeship. The scheme is run in conjunction with West Suffolk College, Bury St Edmunds.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 30th May 2025.

About Us

We’re DS Smith, redefining packaging for a changing world. Operating in over 30 countries, we support sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce with sustainable packaging solutions. We aim to build a diverse, motivated, and inclusive workforce, valuing differences and providing equal opportunities for all.

Additional Information

• Seniority level: Internship
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Manufacturing