Apprenticeship training course

Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6)

Leading on technical packaging delivery programmes and projects for a multitude of products.

• Qualification level: 6 ; Equivalent to degree.
• Typical duration: 48 months
• Apprenticeship category: Engineering and manufacturing
• Maximum funding: £24,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Packaging Development Manager
  • Packaging Innovation Technologist
  • Packaging Operations Manager
  • Packaging professional
  • Packaging Project Manager
  • Packaging Specialist
  • Senior Packaging Technologist
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • 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.

Full information on Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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