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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in various business areas while studying for a degree.
- 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 with real impact in a sustainability-focused organisation.
- Qualifications: Minimum three A Levels at CCC or equivalent BTECs required.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26000 £ per year.
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.
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 will gain hands-on experience working on 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 a BSc in Project Management and a Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership. By the end of the apprenticeship, you will 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
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 in Newmarket 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 in Newmarket
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DS Smith on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching DS Smith's sustainability initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about our mission of redefining packaging and how you can contribute to that vision.
✨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 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 you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Management Degree Apprentice in Newmarket
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 situations, especially in areas like Operations and Supply Chain.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Packaging Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into DS Smith's mission and values. Understand their focus on sustainable packaging and how they drive a circular economy. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your management skills and ability to work in teams. Think about times when you improved efficiency or contributed to a project’s success, as these are key areas for the apprenticeship.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme, such as what a typical day looks like or how success is measured. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. DS Smith is looking for future leaders, so being authentic and showing your passion for business management will help you stand out from the crowd.