At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Apprentice Engineer and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive starting salary, support from mentors, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Balance work and study while being part of a diverse and inclusive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while learning and developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Minimum of 5 GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Packaging Manufacturing site in Neath, and we are currently seeking a highly motivated and ambitious individual who would enjoy working in a manufacturing environment, as a Multi-Skilled Engineer Technician Apprentice. During this 4-year Apprenticeship programme, in addition to attending learning sessions at college part time (full time in year 1), you will gain hands-on operational experience by assisting the Engineering Team in many areas including supporting planned preventative maintenance plans and carrying out reactive repair and improvement on equipment, whilst complying with DS Smith policies, procedures and Safety regulations.
Whilst you will be based on a site, you will be part of the wider DS Smith team supporting and leading excellence in engineering. A competitive Apprenticeship starting salary is offered, with incremental increases as you progress through your training. You will also receive the support of course tutors, workplace coaches and mentors to help you along the way and enable you to develop your skills and potential.
Responsibilities
- Complete the required academic and practical training requirements of the apprenticeship.
- Maintain and continually improve housekeeping standards in engineering workshops, and when conducting tasks around the site.
- Development and execution of a planned preventative maintenance plan.
- Carry out reactive repair and improvement of selected equipment.
- Understand how and where to source spare parts and service contracts, with a view to continually improving performance while reducing costs.
- Maintain comprehensive equipment records, with details of repairs completed, root causes, and corrective actions.
- Comply with asset management performance targets set by group and site.
- Record performance to demonstrate adherence to KPIs.
- Engage with wider DS Smith engineering teams to ensure the site is fully compliant with all policies, and to stay fully informed of technical developments in the business.
- Management of maintenance & repair sub-contractors.
Qualifications & Assessment
- Minimum of 5 GCSE Grade A-C (4 and above) including English Language, Mathematics and Science or equivalent.
- Once you have gone through an initial screening process, you will be asked to complete an online Engineering Technician Aptitude Test.
- Successful candidates will then be invited to an Assessment Day w/c 17th August 2026. During this Assessment Day, you will take part in a number of individual and group activities and have a 1-2-1 interview with your Engineering Manager.
Personal Qualities
- Be Caring - Works collaboratively with a diverse range of people; is inclusive and respectful of other opinions, thoughts and approaches; actively listens to promote an openness and engagement.
- Be Trusted - Adheres to instructions, policies and procedures to ensure safety and compliance of self and others; manages time and workload efficiently whilst demonstrating a keen attention to detail and desire to produce high quality work.
- Be Challenging - Is motivated and curious to solve problems; is able to critically review information to make well-informed decisions; always seeks opportunities to improve processes, quality, speed and efficiencies to help improve overall success.
- Be Responsive - Demonstrates a proactive attitude; is committed to their personal and professional development and shows a keen interest in the wider industry and new technologies; is continuously driven to learn new things.
- Be Tenacious - Has a resilient character and is able to bounce back from setbacks; can prioritise tasks and demands, whilst operating in a challenging, fast-paced environment.
Things to Consider
You will be expected to balance day-to-day responsibilities within your role, as well as academic work set by the college. You will also be required to travel to and from college and the DS Smith Site throughout the duration of the apprenticeship.
Our DS Smith Apprenticeship scheme will be run in conjunction with NPTC Group of Colleges Dwr-y-Felin Road, Neath Port Talbot S A10 7RF.
Apprentice Engineer in Neath employer: DS Smith
DS Smith is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being in the vibrant location of Livingston, Scotland. With opportunities for personal growth and development, alongside competitive benefits such as 25 days holiday and a pension scheme, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to meaningful production processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Engineer in Neath
✨Dive into Local Manufacturing Events
Get yourself out there and check out local manufacturing expos or trade shows! These events are gold mines for networking and can put you in touch with potential employers like DS Smith. Plus, you might discover companies that are looking for apprentices directly.
✨Join Apprenticeship Networks
Look for local apprenticeship networks and community forums focused on manufacturing. Engaging in these spaces can lead you to hidden opportunities and advice from others who’ve been in your shoes — they might have inside info on which companies are hiring apprentices!
✨Reach Out Directly to Companies
Don't shy away from reaching out! If you have specific companies in mind like DS Smith, shoot them an email or give them a call to inquire about potential apprenticeship opportunities. Sometimes, they might not have openings posted, but they’re always keen to meet passionate candidates!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're studying, tap into your college’s career services for leads on manufacturing apprenticeships. They often have connections with local businesses and can help you polish your application to stand out. And remember, applying through our website can give you a leg up on the competition for positions at DS Smith!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Engineer in Neath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production sector, we want to see your hands-on skills. Make sure your CV lists any relevant technical abilities or tools you’ve worked with, like machinery or software specific to production processes. This is your chance to shine a light on any experience you already have, even if it’s just in class or through a hobby!
Highlight Your Commitment to Learning:As this is an apprenticeship, emphasising your eagerness to learn is crucial! In your cover letter, mention specific areas of manufacturing you're excited to learn about, and why you're passionate about joining DS Smith. Show us you’re ready to dive into the practical world of production!
Include Relevant Qualifications:List any qualifications or certifications related to manufacturing—think health and safety, technical courses, or even basic engineering principles. It can help set you apart from others and show you come prepared and informed about the industry standards!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your documents are straightforward and relevant. Focus on your most pertinent experiences and avoid clutter. Remember, humility goes a long way—if you've worked on projects, even in a school setting, don’t hesitate to include those to reflect your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith
✨Get Hands-On with Machinery
Since you're eyeing an apprenticeship in manufacturing-production, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the tools and machinery related to the role. We should brush up on our basic mechanical skills and be ready to talk about any hands-on experiences we've had, like school projects or part-time work that involved manual tasks.
✨Show Your Understanding of Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, so be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to the industry. We can expect questions focusing on how to maintain a safe working environment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard awareness—making sure we articulate our understanding can really impress the interviewers at DS Smith.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for enthusiasm and the willingness to absorb knowledge. Let’s be prepared to discuss how we’ve approached learning new skills in the past, showing we’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with this exciting opportunity at DS Smith.
✨Research Typical Production Processes
It might help us to know a thing or two about basic manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, quality control checks, and production scheduling. We could bring examples of these processes from our research or coursework to showcase our interest and understanding of the field during the interview.
