Apprentice Engineer

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Packaging Manufacturing site in Neath, and we are currently seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual who would enjoy working in a manufacturing environment, as a Multi-Skilled Engineer Technician Apprentice.

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 you will be a 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 along the way and enable you to develop your skills and potential.

Responsibilities

Complete the required academic and practical training requirements of the apprenticeship.

As you progress through your Apprenticeship you will support the Engineering team in:

• Maintaining and continually improve housekeeping standards in engineering workshops, and when conducting tasks around the site

• Development and execution of a planned preventative maintenance plan

• Carry out reactive repair and improvement of selected equipment

• Understand how and where to source spare parts and service contracts, with a view to continually improving performance while reducing costs

• Maintain comprehensive equipment records, with details of repairs completed, root causes, and corrective actions

• Comply with asset management performance targets set by group and site 

• Record performance to demonstrate adherence to KPIs

• Engage with wider DS Smith engineering teams to ensure the site is fully compliant with all policies, and to stay fully informed of technical developments in the business

• Management of maintenance & repair sub-contractors

Qualifications & Assessment

Minimum of 5 GCSE Grade A-C (4 and above) including English Language, Mathematics and Science or equivalent  

Once you have gone through an initial screening process, you will be asked to complete an online Engineering Technician Aptitude Test. Successful candidates will then be invited to an Assessment Day w/c 17th August 2026. During this Assessment Day, you will take part in a number of individual and group activities and have a 1-2-1 interview with your Engineering Manager.

Personal Qualities

Can demonstrate the DS Smith values every day.

Be Caring - Works collaboratively with a diverse range of people; is inclusive and respectful of other opinions, thoughts and approaches; actively listens to promote an openness and engagement. 

Be Trusted - Adheres to instructions, policies and procedures to ensure safety and compliance of self and others; manages time and workload efficiently whilst demonstrating a keen attention to detail and desire to produce high quality work. 

Be Challenging - Is motivated and curious to solve problems; is able to critically review information to make well informed decisions; always seeks opportunities to improve processes, quality, speed and efficiencies to help improve overall success. 

Be Responsive - Demonstrates a proactive attitude; is committed to their personal and professional development and shows a keen interest in the wider industry and new technologies; is continuously driven to learn new things.

Be Tenacious - Has a resilient character and is able to bounce back from setbacks; can prioritise tasks and demands, whilst operating in a challenging, fast paced environment.

Things to Consider

You will be expected to balance day-to-day responsibilities within your role, as well as academic work set by the college. You will also be required to travel to and from college and the DS Smith Site throughout the duration of the apprenticeship.  Our DS Smith Apprenticeship scheme will be run in conjunction with NPTC Group of Colleges Dwr-y-Felin Road,Neath Port Talbot S A10 7RF.

About us

We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!

Fair recruitment at DS Smith

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.

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