Packaging Technologist Degree Apprenticeship

Summary

You will be responsible for the research, development and sourcing of packaging for a range of products that are cost-effective, sustainable, and appropriate for protecting and transporting our products. You'll work cross-functionally with NPD, engineering, marketing, purchasing and external suppliers to deliver specifications, costings and trials.

Annual wage: Competitive
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 16:30.
40 hours a week
Possible start date: Thursday 2 January
Duration: 4 Years
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Develop new cost-efficient packaging solutions across our product ranges in response to project briefs
Ensure that packaging materials meet set requirements and specifications
Develop and champion our sustainable packaging strategy
Research new packaging materials and produce samples to test different materials and designs
Liaise with marketing, purchasing and production teams as required
Identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining quality and practicality
Run trials to check packaging for suitability and testing for performance under various conditions
Control production and quality standards, including reporting packaging that doesn't meet these standards
Evaluate, select and negotiate with suppliers

Where you’ll work

WESTMEAD

AYLESFORD

MAIDSTONE

KENT

ME20 6XJ

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

Your training course

Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents

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.

Your training plan

Packaging Professional Level 6 degree with honours - BSC Degree in Packaging Technology
You will attend Sheffield Hallam University on block study for a total of 20-25 days per year

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

Any subject (grade BBC / Distinction Merit Merit)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Problem solving skills
Team working
Creative
Initiative

About this company

Pineapple is a leader in designing and manufacturing innovative furniture solutions for challenging environments. A family run company started in 1975, Pineapple is now a global business with headquarters in Kent (UK) and offices in France, Germany and the USA. Pineapple still runs by its original ethos of creating mindfully designed furniture that not only works effortlessly and looks great but also helps foster a calm and supportive environment. Join Pineapple and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference through quality, innovation, sustainability and exceptional customer care. Benefits: Proudly featured in The Sunday Times as one of the Best Places to Work 2024 Healthcare Cash Plan Extra day’s leave for your birthday Workplace nursery scheme On joining we'll plant a tree in your honour Regular team socials and events Monthly pizza Friday Fruit and snacks are provided daily Employee referrals bonus scheme Company volunteering day Sustainability focused business Free onsite parking / walking distance from train station

https://uk.pineapplecontracts.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

The employer is ready to invest in the development of the successful candidate. This is a long-term career opportunity with a growing company

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