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Design Degree Apprentice - Job Opportunity at Smurfit Westrock

Weston-super-Mare, United Kingdom
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: August 15, 2025
On-site
£18,000-£22,000 per year, reflecting typical apprenticeship compensation in the UK packaging sector. This represents competitive entry-level compensation when combined with the degree program value, with potential for rapid salary progression to £28,000-£35,000 upon program completion and degree attainment.

Benefits

Annual leave providing essential work-life balance crucial for early career development
Company pension scheme ensuring long-term financial security and retirement planning
Cycle to Work scheme promoting health, environmental consciousness, and cost savings on transportation
Comprehensive 24/7 confidential support services extending to family members for holistic well-being
Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies supporting diverse life circumstances
Guaranteed interview process for disability-confident hiring demonstrating inclusive employment practices

Key Responsibilities

Co-create innovative packaging solutions with customers, internal teams, and suppliers to deliver market-competitive products that drive business growth and customer satisfaction
Lead end-to-end project management of design enquiries and sample requests, ensuring rapid response times that maintain competitive advantage in fast-paced packaging markets
Serve as critical liaison between Sales and Operations departments, facilitating seamless communication that directly impacts revenue generation and operational efficiency
Ensure quality assurance by aligning all factory specifications with customer requirements, maintaining the company's reputation for precision and reliability
Develop technical CAD drawings and packaging designs that optimize both customer satisfaction metrics and operational cost-effectiveness
Transform conceptual designs into tangible prototypes and samples, enabling customer validation and accelerating time-to-market for new products
Utilize advanced design systems and business software to streamline project workflows and enhance team productivity
Create compelling visual presentations including 3D renders and conceptual artwork that support sales processes and client relationship management

Requirements

Education

GCSEs (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English Language at grade C / grade 4 or above. 112 UCAS points, including at least 64 points from two A Levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. Must include Mathematics or a mathematics-based subject to at least AS level.

Experience

Entry-level position requiring no prior professional experience

Required Skills

Mathematics or mathematics-based subjects Physics, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Chemistry, or other science/technology subjects CAD drawing capabilities Design systems proficiency Business software utilization 3D visualization and mock-up development Project management
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Industry Trends

The packaging industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by e-commerce expansion, with sustainable packaging solutions becoming mandatory rather than optional as consumers and regulations demand environmental responsibility. This shift is creating substantial demand for designers who understand both aesthetic appeal and ecological impact. Digital transformation in packaging design is accelerating, with companies investing heavily in 3D modeling, virtual prototyping, and AI-assisted design tools to reduce time-to-market and improve cost efficiency. Professionals who can bridge traditional design principles with cutting-edge technology are increasingly valuable. The circular economy model is reshaping packaging design philosophy, requiring designers to consider entire product lifecycles from material sourcing through disposal and recycling. This comprehensive approach is becoming a core competency rather than a specialized skill.

Role Significance

Typically integrated within design teams of 5-8 professionals, with direct collaboration across Sales and Operations departments involving 15-20 additional stakeholders. The liaison role provides exposure to senior leadership and cross-functional decision-making processes.
Entry-level position with structured progression pathway designed to develop into mid-level design roles within 4-5 years. The apprenticeship model provides accelerated seniority development through hands-on responsibility combined with academic foundation.

Key Projects

New product development initiatives for major retail and e-commerce clients requiring innovative sustainable packaging solutions Cost optimization projects redesigning existing packaging lines to improve material efficiency and reduce environmental footprint Digital transformation initiatives implementing new design software and workflow automation systems Customer-specific packaging customization projects requiring rapid prototyping and iterative design development

Success Factors

Strong mathematical and analytical thinking capabilities essential for translating design concepts into precise technical specifications and cost-effective manufacturing processes Excellent communication and interpersonal skills crucial for serving as effective liaison between diverse stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds and priorities Adaptability and continuous learning mindset necessary for keeping pace with rapidly evolving design technologies and sustainability requirements Project management capabilities vital for managing multiple concurrent design requests while maintaining quality standards and meeting tight deadlines Creative problem-solving abilities combined with practical engineering thinking to develop innovative solutions within manufacturing and cost constraints

Market Demand

High demand driven by the intersection of sustainability imperatives, e-commerce growth, and digital transformation requirements. The combination of practical experience with formal education makes this role type particularly attractive to employers seeking immediately productive yet adaptable talent.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Mathematical proficiency is absolutely essential as packaging design requires precise calculations for material optimization, structural integrity, and cost analysis. Strong mathematical foundation enables accurate technical specification development and efficient problem-solving in complex design scenarios. CAD software expertise represents the primary tool for professional packaging design work, directly impacting productivity and design quality. Proficiency in these systems determines ability to create manufacturable designs and communicate effectively with production teams. Project management capabilities are crucial for success in fast-paced packaging environments where multiple client requests must be managed simultaneously while maintaining quality standards and meeting tight deadlines that directly impact customer relationships. Communication skills are vital for the liaison role between Sales and Operations, requiring ability to translate technical design concepts for non-technical stakeholders while accurately capturing customer requirements for technical implementation.

Beneficial Skills

Sustainability knowledge and circular economy principles are increasingly valuable as environmental regulations tighten and consumer preferences shift toward eco-friendly packaging solutions 3D visualization and rendering capabilities enhance client presentations and facilitate better design communication, supporting sales processes and customer relationship development Business acumen and cost awareness help optimize design decisions for both customer satisfaction and company profitability Cross-functional collaboration skills enable effective work with diverse teams including marketing, manufacturing, and logistics departments

Unique Aspects

Partnership with Sheffield Hallam University provides prestigious academic credentials combined with industry-specific practical training, creating a unique educational experience tailored specifically for packaging sector career development
The 80/20 learning model offers optimal balance between hands-on professional experience and academic development, ensuring immediate productivity while building comprehensive theoretical foundation
Direct involvement in New Product Development Department provides exposure to cutting-edge packaging innovations and strategic business initiatives typically reserved for more senior professionals
Cross-sector insights through guest lectures and industry connections offer broader perspective on packaging applications across diverse markets and industries

Career Growth

2-3 years to mid-level designer roles upon apprenticeship completion, 5-7 years to senior specialist positions, 8-10 years to management roles depending on performance and additional skill development

Potential Next Roles

Senior Package Designer with specialized expertise in sustainable materials and advanced CAD systems New Product Development Manager overseeing entire product lifecycle from concept through market launch Design Team Leader managing junior designers and coordinating major client relationships Sustainability Consultant specializing in circular economy packaging solutions Technical Sales Engineer combining design expertise with client relationship management

Company Overview

Smurfit Westrock

Smurfit Westrock represents a global industry leader formed through strategic merger, combining extensive manufacturing capabilities with innovative sustainability initiatives. The company operates as a vertically integrated packaging solutions provider with significant research and development investments and comprehensive market coverage across multiple sectors.

Dominant market position as one of the world's largest paper and packaging companies, with substantial competitive advantages in sustainable packaging innovation and global distribution capabilities. The company's scale provides exposure to diverse industries and cutting-edge packaging technologies.
The Weston-super-Mare location serves as a strategic UK operations center, providing access to European markets while maintaining proximity to major shipping and logistics networks. This positioning offers excellent exposure to international packaging requirements and cross-cultural business practices.
Large corporate environment emphasizing safety, sustainability, and structured professional development with established career progression pathways. The company culture balances operational efficiency with innovation, providing stability alongside opportunities for creative problem-solving.
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