Apprentice Designer

SMURFIT WESTROCK UK LTD

Diss (IP21 4QH)

Closes in 17 days (Monday 20 July 2026)

Posted on 3 July 2026

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Summary

Are you creative, hard working and eager to build a long-term career in a modern, fast‑paced manufacturing environment? We’re looking for a motivated Design Apprentice to join our Design Team at SW Diss (located in Pulham St Mary, IP21 4QH).

• Wage:

  £25,600 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.30pm, with an hours unpaid lunch break.

  37 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 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

• Design & Development: Assist in designing and developing corrugated packaging solutions for a variety of products.
• Prototyping: Work with the design team to create prototypes and samples, operate a digital CNC Cutter, and ensure all samples meet design and functional criteria.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed records of sample specifications, adjustments, and customer feedback. Ensure proper storage, tracking, and dispatch of physical samples.
• Collaboration: Work with production and engineering teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards.
• Learning & Development: Gain an understanding of machine capabilities, learn to use CAD software, and understand the properties and best uses of raw materials.
• Supplier Liaison: Liaise with tool manufacturers and suppliers to obtain costings for new projects and support the artwork process coordination.
• Research & Development: Contribute to the research and development of sustainable packaging materials and techniques.
• Client Interaction: Participate in client meetings to discuss design requirements and present design concepts.

Where you'll work

Pulham St. Mary
Diss
IP21 4QH

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

• Generate packaging concepts and ideas.
• Collect, analyse and use technical packaging data.
• Apply procedures for physical measurement and testing of materials and packaging.
• Plan and lead on selecting procedures, and methods for packaging tasks. For example, line trials.
• Apply project management tools and techniques.
• Plan and manage own time.
• Identify costs and create a draft budget for sign-off.
• Identify and apply quality and performance standards. For example, internal, product quality, transit safety, and food safety.
• Apply safe systems of work.
• Carry out risk identification, assessment, and management.
• Identify and manage factors affecting project implementation.
• Use techniques and tools for prototyping, for example process or product development.
• Apply principles of marketing to evaluate and select ideas.
• Apply research an enquiry techniques. For example, market research, consumer testing, desktop research, academic and literature research.
• Communicate written content and prepare technical information. For example, draft and final specifications, purchase agreements, contracts, and technical reports.
• Apply communication techniques to inform technical and non-technical colleagues and stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver presentations.
• Use digital systems, software and tools. For example, computer aided engineering, business management systems, and palletisation software.
• Assess environmental, social, and economical sustainability factors. For example, life-cycle analysis.
• Identify and apply environmental sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance.
• Apply and promote policies and practices to support equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques.
• Monitor and evaluate individual and team performance.
• Provide advice and guidance to others.
• Agree objectives with individuals and teams.
• Apply knowledge sharing, coaching and mentoring techniques.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Use negotiation and influencing techniques with colleagues or stakeholders.
• Share and evaluate feedback on individual and team performance.
• Develop and extend professional knowledge.
• Generate packaging concepts and ideas.
• Collect, analyse and use technical packaging data.
• Apply procedures for physical measurement and testing of materials and packaging.
• Plan and lead on selecting procedures, and methods for packaging tasks. For example, line trials.
• Apply project management tools and techniques.
• Plan and manage own time.
• Identify costs and create a draft budget for sign-off.
• Identify and apply quality and performance standards. For example, internal, product quality, transit safety, and food safety.
• Apply safe systems of work.
• Carry out risk identification, assessment, and management.
• Identify and manage factors affecting project implementation.
• Use techniques and tools for prototyping, for example process or product development.
• Apply principles of marketing to evaluate and select ideas.
• Apply research an enquiry techniques. For example, market research, consumer testing, desktop research, academic and literature research.
• Communicate written content and prepare technical information. For example, draft and final specifications, purchase agreements, contracts, and technical reports.
• Apply communication techniques to inform technical and non-technical colleagues and stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver presentations.
• Use digital systems, software and tools. For example, computer aided engineering, business management systems, and palletisation software.
• Assess environmental, social, and economical sustainability factors. For example, life-cycle analysis.
• Identify and apply environmental sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance.
• Apply and promote policies and practices to support equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving techniques.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques.
• Monitor and evaluate individual and team performance.
• Provide advice and guidance to others.
• Agree objectives with individuals and teams.
• Apply knowledge sharing, coaching and mentoring techniques.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Use negotiation and influencing techniques with colleagues or stakeholders.
• Share and evaluate feedback on individual and team performance.
• Develop and extend professional knowledge.

Training schedule

You will attend Sheffield Hallum University on a day release basis (typically two days per month) plus spending a day per week on related study towards your BSc (Hons) in Packaging Design and Technology.

Requirements

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

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Physical fitness

Other requirements

The location has extremely limited public transport links and therefore it is expected that the successful individual will have their own means of transport.

About this employer

We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.

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

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Once the apprenticeship is finished, we would expect to be able to offer a Designer role.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SMURFIT WESTROCK UK LTD

Kate Reynolds

kate.reynolds@smurfitwestrock.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000040681.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Monday 20 July 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.