DS Smith is a leading provider of corrugated packaging in Europe and a specialist in plastic packaging worldwide. We operate across 36 countries and employ around 26,000 people.

To support our corrugated packaging operations, we have a recycling business that collects used paper and corrugated cardboard, from which our paper manufacturing facilities make the recycled paper used in corrugated packaging. We also design and manufacture certain types of plastic packaging.

Within our Paper Division we have eight paper mills across Germany, Italy, Netherlands, UK, Bulgaria, Croatia and France, producing a circa 2.4 million tonnes of CCM per annum and circa 380 thousand tonnes of other paper per annum.

What we are offering

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Kemsley Mill, based in the South East, and we are currently seeking highly motivated and ambitious individuals who would enjoy working in a challenging and demanding, 24/7 manufacturing environment, to become Manufacturing Apprentices.

This is a fantastic career opportunity to become a qualified Manufacturing Apprentice via a three year programme.

As an Apprentice you will train through a dual approach of academic study to the equivalent of a level four qualification and vocational (practical work based) experience. Your academic studies will take place via our learning partner The Paper Centre in Gernsbach (Germany) and the vocational training will be process based at Kemsley Mill.

A competitive Apprenticeship starting salary is offered for the right candidates, 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.

What we are looking for

The essentials:

 You must be 18 years of age or over.
 Have five GCSEs A-C including English and Maths (with Maths at B or above).
 A practical aptitude demonstrated via study or work experience after leaving school.
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 Be hardworking, pro-active and self-motivated.
 Be committed to a three year programme, which includes some studying in Germany (staggered over 8 weeks per Year).