Design Degree Apprenticeship

SMURFIT WESTROCK UK LTD

Weston-Super-Mare (BS24 9BH)

Closes in 31 days (Monday 15 September 2025)

Posted on 15 August 2025

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Summary

Are you passionate about design and eager to kickstart your career while earning a degree? Smurfit Westrock is offering an exciting opportunity for a Design Degree Apprentice to join our innovative team in Weston-Super-Mare. This is a chance to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic packaging environment while achieving a recognised qualification.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Friday, shifts to be confirmed.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 5 January 2026

Duration

4 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Co-create with purpose: Work together with customers, internal teams, and external suppliers to craft packaging solutions that are not only practical but also innovative and tailored to real-world needs
  • Drive projects from spark to finish: Manage design enquiries and sample requests with professionalism and speed - from the first concept brief to final delivery
  • Be the connector: Act as the vital link between Sales and Operations, ensuring everyone’s on the same page and every detail is crystal clear
  • Champion precision: Guarantee that all factory-issued information aligns perfectly with customer specifications - no compromises
  • Design with impact: Create precise CAD drawings and packaging designs that power both customer satisfaction and operational excellence
  • Bring ideas to life: Produce physical samples that customers can touch, test, and approve - turning concepts into reality
  • Master the tools: Use design systems and business software like a pro, keeping projects smooth and efficient
  • Visualise the future: Develop stunning conceptual artwork, 3D visuals, and mock-ups that make ideas pop and presentations shine

Where you'll work

Oldmixon Crescent
Weston-Super-Mare
BS24 9BH

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

Training course

Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Translate customer briefs to determine a technical packaging brief, which considers business, consumer, operational and sustainability requirements.
  • Identify, design, develop and source packaging solutions demonstrating best value, environmental impact and fitness for purpose to meet briefs.
  • Critically analyse and apply packaging design options against complex inter-related touchpoints to meet the needs from design to end of life, e.g. environmental impact using life cycle assessment.
  • Liaise and coordinate with other stakeholders (e.g. supplier, R&D, marketing, finance, technical) to deliver packaging development projects. When appropriate take the lead and drive the project.
  • Initiate and lead projects, using project management tools and skills to deliver projects to time, cost, specification and quality.
  • Identify and control project risks through mitigation plans.
  • Define parameters, design of experiments, success criteria and protocols for projects appropriate to the brief.
  • Lead the design and management of packaging trials (e.g. prototypes, production of samples, transit, shelf life, sensory, machine-ability).
  • Document and evaluate trials at different project stages (e.g. laboratory, pilot plant, supplier, filling and packing, transit and distribution) recommending further activities.
  • Report results and conclusions. Hypothesise and recommend further adaptions and optimisations.
  • Ensure compliance with packaging and market regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrate financial acumen, e.g. managing budget(s); interpreting financial data and evaluating total product costs and their impact throughout the value chain.
  • Investigate and interpret non-conformance issues related to Packaging. Resolve using root cause analysis and apply change management.
  • Effectively communicate with stakeholders at different levels, building positive working relationships; influencing and persuading key stakeholders effectively.
  • Translate business strategy into internal and external capability building programmes (e.g. supplier quality improvement programmes).
  • Demonstrate critical thinking, analytical and statistical skills to evaluate and interpret complex information and data (e.g. process capability).
  • Proactively identify opportunities to improve packaging based on an analysis of costs, continuous improvement, environmental impact, waste avoidance and process improvements.
  • Provide comprehensive technical services to internal colleagues, customers and suppliers.
  • Coach and/or mentor.
  • Use visual and digital tools systems, e.g. project management, computer aided engineering, business management systems, palletisation software.

Training schedule

  • Packaging Professional (integrated degree) Level 6
  • You will be required to attend Sheffield Hallam University on a series of 4-day study blocks

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

Any subject (grade BBC / Distinction Merit Merit)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative

About this employer

Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging, operates in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting operations and 59 paper mills. We offer an unparalleled portfolio of innovative packaging solutions ranging from corrugated and consumer packaging to Bag-in-Box® packaging and point-of-sale displays. With the circular economy at the core of our business, we use renewable, recyclable and recycled materials to create sustainable packaging solutions. As a trusted partner to companies across the world, Smurfit Westrock is dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. We are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate. Our global headquarters is in Dublin, Ireland, and we have a primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

After this apprenticeship

At Smurfit Westrock, we believe in building a workplace where everyone belongs. Our inclusive culture celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of purpose through meaningful work and community involvement. We invest in our people through career development, recognition programmes, and open communication that connects every employee to our business strategy.

You’ll collaborate with innovative thinkers across packaging design, engineering, and technology to solve real-world challenges. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Smurfit Westrock leads the way in responsible, closed loop manufacturing and environmental stewardship - ensuring our operations and products support a greener future.

Smurfit Westrock offers more than just a job - it’s a place to grow, contribute, and thrive.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000337437.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Monday 15 September 2025)

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