The AIP would like to congratulate our latest Diploma in Packaging Technology Graduates, James Walker Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIP, a Technical Service Manager & Sustainability Ambassador, Metsa Board and Marian O’Leary Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIP, Senior Packaging Technologist, Fonterra Oceania. Internationally recognised as the premier qualification in the packaging industry the Diploma in Packaging Technology is a Level 5 PIABC, 51-credit foundation degree-level qualification that prepares students to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can also lead to higher level study. James and Marian kindly shared with the AIP what they learnt during their studies…
What is your current role? What are your areas of responsibility?
James: Currently I am based in Singapore working for Metsa Board as a Technical Service Manager & Sustainability Ambassador role, taking care of the APAC region. So I take care of markets from Australia & New Zealand, right up through Asia (except China) to India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
I am responsible for providing technical service to our brand owner and converter customers. The primary accountabilities of the position are proactive support of customers and Sales through direct customer interaction, coordination of the mill/technical response to customers regarding technical services requests, trials, claims and product and sales inquiries. Support performance selling, looking to support customers to lightweight materials, whilst maintaining excellence converting efficiency. In secondary role, as Sustainability Ambassador for APAC – I act as the first point of contact for customers and colleagues on sustainability matters in the region. Then liaise with Sustainability team in our head office in Finland. We provide Sustainability support to our customers by providing Product Carbon Footprint data, Life Cycle Assessment comparisons, Forest certification information and extensive product safety details.
Marian: I am currently a Senior Packaging Technologist at Fonterra Oceania. I am responsible for implementing packaging solutions for new product development, optimising packaging structures to improve efficiencies and working to meet Fonterra’s sustainability targets for packaging. Lately, I have been focused on several projects in the cheese and butter space.
What does graduating from the Diploma in Packaging Technology mean to you?
James: It is a bit of a relief, but also gives a great sense of achievement. The course is quite intensive and it has taken me close to 4 years (and 2 kids later) to finish.
Marian: Graduating from the Diploma of Packaging Technology degree has expanded my knowledge of the different materials and processes available in the packaging world. It has also given me the confidence and technical knowledge foundation required to help problem solve packaging related issues and offer solutions at a site level.
How will you apply this knowledge moving forward?
James: I am a Gravure Printer by trade, and my experience within the packaging industry has always been fibre carton based. This degree gives me a far better understanding of other packaging materials and a formal qualification to support my near 20 years’ experience in the printing and packaging industry.
In my current role, this degree has given me more confidence in discussions with customers and a full understanding of the packaging process and the multitude of various elements which can be involved. The knowledge I have gained increases the level of support I am able to offer to our customers.
Marian: I can now apply the theoretical knowledge gained to practical applications and processes within Fonterra. I am more comfortable taking on new projects within categories I have not been exposed to previously and hope to share what I have learned with my peers.
Do you have any advice on why other people should complete the Diploma in Packaging Technology?
James: Personally, I have found the knowledge I have gained through this degree very valuable and insightful. If you are working in the packaging industry and want to expand your process and materials knowledge, I would recommend this degree. From the research I did before starting the degree, there is not really anything else that offers this level of detail.
Marian: Completing the Diploma gives you a solid foundation and step into the packaging world. For those already in this field, the degree gives you a better understanding and depth of knowledge to progress further and to play an active part in transitioning to more sustainable packaging and formats within the workplace.
So where to from here for your career?
James: I will continue in my role at Metsa Board and look to use the knowledge gained to get involved in more projects within our company and with customers. I believe that now I have completed the DIploma it will give me opportunities for different packaging positions in the future, be it in Asia or back in Australia or New Zealand.
Marian: I hope to continue building and expanding my knowledge of packaging, particularly in the flexible packaging space. I also hope to play a bigger part in AIP and encourage the next generation of packaging technologists in our region.
Will you consider applying to become a Certified Packaging Professional as your next professional development stage?
James: I believe I will look at applying for CPP whilst the knowledge is still fresh in my mind.
I definitely think it wouldn’t hurt to have an additional qualification.
Marian: After a little break and time with the young ones, I will pursue becoming a CPP.
The Diploma in Packaging Technology has been designed to take in to account the experiences of training through the pandemic and the results of research undertaken on the ideal learner journey. The course is comprised of short, bite-sized modules that you can study at a time and pace to suit you on a variety of devices.
WHY STUDY THE DIPLOMA IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY?
Completion of the Diploma in Packaging Technology demonstrates your commitment to your career and to the industry.
Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Packaging Technology are equipping themselves for progression within the packaging industry to a position where they can assume responsibility for packaging in a company at any point in the supply chain.