Design Apprentice
VPK Packaging · Kettering · posted 23 July 2026
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- Ensures all samples are despatched in line with customers required due dates
- Ensures concept samples are produced in the correct material and to the highest quality
- Ensures all samples are glued correctly, checking with Design Projects & Manufacture team where necessary
- Ensures all samples are labelled with “VPK” or customers own sample labels
- Quality checks samples for size, style and material before packing
- Support for Innovation and artwork teams with prototype / printed mock-ups
- Ensures supply of sales support packs are kept in stock
- Ensures samples are neatly packed and raised as consignments for collection by the appropriate courier service
- Takes responsibility for the management of board stock, placing repeat orders as necessary
- Takes responsibility for the cleanliness of board storage area and ensures waste material is collected in a timely manner
- Takes responsibility for management of consumables for the Sample Room, placing or co-ordinating repeat orders as necessary
- Takes responsibility for maintenance and cleanliness of the Sample Room and equipment
- Raises any ongoing machine maintenance issues with the functional Leadership & Team Leader team
- Communicates with Key Account Managers to ensure timely collection of any samples marked for their collection
- Communicates with Design for Projects team to ensure timely collection of any samples marked for collection by customers
Your training
The Apprenticeship training will be delivered by Better Futures through a hybrid model, involving online learning and visits to the Better Futures site to complete practical work.
Where it leads
This Apprenticeship will equip you for a future career in Packaging Design / Technical.
About VPK Packaging
Founded in 1935, VPK Group has grown from strong local roots into a leading European packaging group. As a fully vertically integrated packaging producer, we control the entire value chain, from raw material to finished product. Today we have 71 plants operating in 21 countries with 7,000+ employees.
In the UK we operate from four strategically placed manufacturing sites producing corrugated and print cardboard packaging. The site in Desborough, Northamptonshire is also home to our UK and Ireland Head Office.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- HND Engineering (grade Pass) — desired
Where you'll work
- Stoke Albany Road, Desborough, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 2SR