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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in business management across various operations.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Earn £26,000 starting salary, fully funded degree, and great career growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a structured training plan and ongoing support from mentors.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career while making a positive impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Minimum three A Levels at CCC or equivalent BTECs required.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26000 £ per year.
Business Management Degree Apprenticeship at DS Smith | Packaging Manufacturing | Location: Featherstone (West Yorkshire)
Kickstart your 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.
About the Role
We are excited to offer a Business Management Degree Apprenticeship pathway that allows you to apply structured management practices to develop your business knowledge and principles. Over the course of this programme, you'll gain hands-on experience working in projects across many of our different operations, helping to improve performance, efficiency, sustainability and delivering great customer outcomes with a safety-first mindset.
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will rotate across key business areas including Operations, Supply Chain, Sales and Customer Services, together with key support functions. You will be on a 48-month structured programme with Aston University, working towards BSc Project Management and a Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership. By the end of the apprenticeship, you'll have developed the skills, insight and confidence to make a real impact and progress towards becoming a future leader at DS Smith.
Development
- A structured training plan that aligns workplace experience with your degree learning
- A comprehensive induction, including visits to our paper, packaging and innovation sites
- Ongoing support from a dedicated mentor and line manager
- Regular development reviews to track progress and support future career planning
What are the entry requirements?
- Applicants should have a minimum of three A Levels at CCC or above, or equivalent BTECs.
- You must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including Mathematics and English.
- To undertake the Project Management Level 6 Apprenticeship, you must have lived in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 consecutive years as it is a government funded apprenticeship programme.
What's in it for you?
- Starting salary of £26,000, with structured increases as you progress through the programme.
- Fully funded degree - no tuition fees or student debt.
- The opportunity to build a long-term career with a global, sustainability-led organisation.
Benefits
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- Income protection
- Cycle to work scheme
About you
- Be able to start in the business full time on 7th September 2026.
- Hold the relevant right to work within the UK.
- Be fully flexible and geographically mobile as there will be placements across the country.
Business Management Degree Apprentice employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
Contact Detail:
DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Management Degree Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DS Smith on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching DS Smith's sustainability initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but also passionate about our mission to redefine packaging for a changing world.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to the skills needed for the Business Management Degree Apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the DS Smith family.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Management Degree Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Business Management Degree Apprenticeship. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or work experience that showcases your understanding of business principles and sustainability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for sustainable packaging and how you can contribute to DS Smith's mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through while keeping it professional.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific skills that are relevant to the role, like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. We want to see how you can apply these in real-world scenarios, especially in operations and customer service.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us, so we can review it promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand DS Smith's mission and values, especially their focus on sustainability and circular economy. Research their packaging solutions and recent projects to show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership potential. Think about how these skills can apply to the various business areas you'll be rotating through during the apprenticeship.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme, such as what a typical day looks like or how success is measured. This shows you're engaged and eager to learn more about the role and the company.
✨Dress for Success
Even if the company culture is relaxed, it's always better to err on the side of professionalism. Dress smartly for your interview to make a great first impression and show that you take the opportunity seriously.