Apprentice Mechanical Engineering Technician

DS SMITH PLC

Kent, ME10 2TD

Closes in 12 days (Friday 7 March at 11:59pm)

Posted on 13 February 2025


Summary

We have a fantastic opportunity to train as an Engineering Apprentice and undertake a structured training program of academic and vocational work, both on site and off site. The apprentice will gain the required skills and knowledge to support the Engineering department in the largest paper mill in the United Kingdom.

Training course
Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday- Friday 8:00am- 4:00pm

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Possible start date

Monday 1 September

Duration

3 years 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

This is a fantastic career opportunity to become a qualified mechanical Engineer via a four-year apprenticeship programme. As an apprentice you will:

Train through a dual approach of academic study to Higher BTEC level and vocational (practical work based) experience.

Your academic studies will take place via external learning partners and the vocational 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.

The opportunity provides successful candidates the chance to work in the largest paper mill in the United Kingdom and the second across Europe, maintaining and developing powerful machinery capable of producing a wide range of high-performance papers.

Your duties will include:

  • Appreciation of Preventative and Reactive maintenance, the tools/processes available to support efficient asset maintenance
  • SAP, Workflow Processes, Condition Based
  • Plan and execute preventative maintenance activities using the workflow process tools and resources
  • Develop/implement routine maintenance procedures
  • Participate in engineering development activities utilising and following procedures and standards
  • Use Problem Solving techniques/tools to identify a suitable resolution to problems
  • Full integration in DS Smith Way awareness training, using these Lean tools to improve daily work

Where you’ll work

Kemsley Mill

Sittingbourne

Kent

ME10 2TD

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

IPS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Your training course

Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Your training plan

Year 1 of the Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard, the learner will attend four days a week within IPS Rochester workshop completing practical skills (Performing Engineering Operations) and one day a week studying the Technical Certificate.

In Year 2, the Apprentice moves to day-release and will attend IPS one day a week to continue the Technical Certificate. Starting in Year 2 and continuing until completion in Year 4. The Apprentice will continue to receive regular training contact with IPS all throughout the programme.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English, Maths and Science (grade 4/C and above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Reliable
  • Time Management
  • Motivated

Other requirements

Enrolment onto your apprenticeship programme is subject to prior attainment checks, and your Personal Learning Record will be reviewed upon successful appointment. We are also obligated to follow the guidelines around eligibility, set out by the government apprenticeship funding rules. NB: Please include minimum qualifications (GCSE Maths and English grades) in your apprenticeship application. Tailor your application to the vacancy, dedicating 1-2 paragraphs for each question to demonstrate interest in the role and the company. **If you are unsuccessful, you will be automatically added to our Talent pool list where future vacancies will be sent to you. If you would like to opt out of this mailing list please select unsubscribe in the email.**

About this company

Together with International Paper, we are the global leader in sustainable packaging. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA and London, England, we employ more than 65,000 colleagues with manufacturing operations in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time.

https://www.dssmith.com/uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship there is the possibility of gaining a permanent position within a team of highly skilled engineers.

Further training is encouraged, with the Higher BTEC qualification as part of the apprenticeship timescale. There will also be the possibility of further progression and additional training upon successful completion of a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, potentially onto the Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

IPS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Mandy Rai

mandy288@hotmail.com

01634298808

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000303030.

Apply now

Closes in 12 days (Friday 7 March at 11:59pm)

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