At a Glance
- Tasks: Support engineering team 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 technology.
- 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 Burscough 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 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 Ormskirk 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 Ormskirk
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research DS Smith and their sustainability initiatives. When you show genuine interest in what they do, it’ll really stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your engineering knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Being hands-on and ready to tackle real-world challenges will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider tips and even referrals for the apprenticeship.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the apprenticeship programme right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Technician Apprentice in Ormskirk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: Let us see your enthusiasm for engineering in your application! Share any projects or experiences that highlight your curiosity and hands-on skills. We love candidates who are excited about real-world engineering and sustainability.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight your problem-solving abilities and any relevant experience that aligns with our mission of redefining packaging for a changing world.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 sustainability and how they redefine packaging. This will help you connect your passion for engineering with their goals during the conversation.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Be prepared to discuss your genuine interest in engineering and technology. Think of examples where you've tackled problems or learned new skills. This will demonstrate your eagerness to grow and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the engineering team. Inquire about the types of projects you'll be involved in or how they support apprentices in their learning journey. This shows you're engaged and serious about the opportunity.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
DS Smith values collaboration, so highlight any experiences where you've worked effectively in a team. Share how you’ve contributed to group projects or supported peers, showcasing your ability to be caring and responsive in a work environment.