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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 progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while developing your management skills.
- Qualifications: Minimum of three A Levels at CCC or equivalent BTECs required.
- Other info: Enjoy a structured training plan and ongoing support from mentors.
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
- 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.
- 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
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- Income protection
- Cycle to work scheme
- 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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield
✨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 the interview by researching DS Smith's sustainability initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about their mission and how you can contribute to redefining packaging!
✨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 the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Management Degree Apprentice in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for business management and sustainability! Share why you're excited about this apprenticeship and how it aligns with your career goals. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the role. Highlight any projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of business principles and sustainability practices. We want to see what makes you a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to explain why you want to join DS Smith and how you can contribute to our mission of redefining packaging. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good narrative!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there.
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 be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for the Business Management Degree Apprenticeship. Share specific examples of how you've demonstrated leadership or teamwork in the past, and how these experiences align with the apprenticeship's objectives.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture is a good fit for you. Consider asking about the types of projects you'll work on or the support you'll receive from mentors.
✨Dress the Part
Even though it's an apprenticeship, first impressions matter! Dress smartly and professionally to show that you take the opportunity seriously. A polished appearance can help set a positive tone for the interview.