Business Management Degree ApprenticeshipDS Smith | Packaging Manufacturing | Location: Featherstone (West Yorkshire)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. 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.
About the RoleWe 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'll gain hands-on experience working in 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 BSc Project Management and a Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership.
By the end of the apprenticeship, you'll 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
What are the entry requirements?- 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
What's in it for you?- 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
Benefits - Company pension
- Life insurance
- Income protection
- Cycle to work scheme
About you- 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
