About us DS Smith provide innovative packaging and point of sale solutions, paper products and recycling services with a commitment to sustainability and a circular economy. Our core purpose is to Redefine Packaging for a Changing World, and our expert teams work closely with like-minded partners to incorporate renewable resources for products that minimise our environmental impact, reduce complexity, and increase profitability through supply chain optimisation. About the role We are looking for outstanding design apprentices to join our Design & Innovation Apprenticeship Programme. We’re the leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions and your role will be to create innovative packaging which meets our customers’ requirements. If you are looking for a career which will be both creative and have a positive impact on the planet, this one is for you. You’ll work with our customers, sales, technical and operation teams to establish the art of the possible and bring innovative solutions to market. You will be undertaking the Packaging Professional Degree Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam University and be a member of the D&I Team at DS Smith. Based at either our Belper, Burscough or Featherstone site, you’ll work with our sales & technical teams to understand the customer’s requirements, creating prototypes which fit the brief, and testing them on our machines. You ’ll learn to design i nnovative, robust, sustainable, and cost-effective products and solutions in line with our business goals. For example, this would involve, p reparation of CAD / CAM samples /designs, u nderstanding of customer briefs/enquiries, full sample making service including conceptual mock ups as required including: 3D concepts Sample board stock provision Supporting with making and o rganising sample deliveries to customers This is an opportunity to really get creative, to push the boundaries and work on products which are not yet available in the market. 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. About you Able to work independently but also comfortable building strong working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders around the business. A positive and can-do attitude Ability to work to tight deadlines. Strong organisational skills with proven ability to handle multiple tasks at any given time. Computer literate - Using Microsoft 365 family of products and knowledge of CAD software. Possess creative flair with a desire to succeed. Be personable and a team player. Possess some analytical / problem solving skills. Good communication skills. Benefits Competitive salary 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Pension scheme, life assurance and income protection Sharesave scheme Employee Assistance Programme Employee Discounts Cycle to work scheme. Location: This is a full time, site-based role at one of our Belper, Burscough or Featherstone sites