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- Tasks: Support engineering teams with maintenance, repairs, and equipment performance improvements.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £19,000, fully funded training, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Kick-start your engineering career while driving sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science; passion for engineering and problem-solving.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with expert support and a pathway to permanent roles.
The predicted salary is between 19000 - 19000 £ per year.
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 Blunham 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 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.
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.
Engineering Technician Apprentice in Bedford employer: DS Smith Packaging Limited
Contact Detail:
DS Smith Packaging Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Technician Apprentice in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research DS Smith and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your passion for engineering and sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your curiosity! During interviews, ask insightful questions about the role and the company’s future projects. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and aligns with DS Smith's value of being curious and analytical.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the DS Smith team.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Technician Apprentice in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! Share any projects or experiences that sparked your interest in the field. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about technology and problem-solving.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Engineering Technician Apprentice. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Packaging Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of engineering principles and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with DS Smith's commitment to sustainability and how their packaging solutions work. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Show Your Curiosity
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the role and the company. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and engage with the team. Ask about the types of projects you might work on or how the apprenticeship programme is structured.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where you've tackled challenges or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it clear how you can apply these skills in a real-world engineering context.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
DS Smith values inclusivity and collaboration, so be ready to share experiences where you’ve worked effectively in a team. Highlight how you’ve contributed to group projects or supported others, showcasing your ability to fit into their culture.