Packaging technologist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree, a higher national diploma or a degree in packaging technology or packaging design.

Employers may also accept subjects like:

• materials science
• food technology
• 3D design
• chemistry

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can apply for a Packaging Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take 4 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.

Entry requirements:

Work

You could start as an assistant technologist or designer and do further training on the job to become a professional packaging technologist.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• active listening skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• operations analysis skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• maths skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Packaging technologists design and develop packaging for different products.

As a packaging technologist you could:

• produce sample packaging to test different materials and designs
• run production trials
• make sure packaging meets quality standards and is safe
• work closely with product designers and production engineers
• research ways to make packaging more environmentally friendly
• write technical reports

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a packaging technologist to be a green job, you could:

• design packaging that can be reused many times
• reduce the amount of product packaging to cut down on waste
• create clear labelling to help customers understand what can be recycled

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is days / nights / weekends flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into:

• product design
• brand design
• project management
• marketing and sales

You could also work freelance as a packaging consultant.