The AIP would like to congratulate our latest Diploma in Packaging Technology Graduate, Janell Siek Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIP CAB & C&Ts Industrial Engineer from Mars Petcare ANZ. 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.
Janell kindly shared with the AIP what she learnt during her studies…
Q1: What is your current role? What are your areas of responsibility?
I currently work as the CAB & C&Ts Industrial Engineer at Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand. My responsibilities include managing the overall capital budget (planning, reporting, governance, continuous improvement) as well as the development and deployment of the Care & Treats Supply Strategy. This includes identifying capital investment requirements and also leading the scoping of major capital investment projects.
Q2: What does graduating from the Diploma in Packaging Technology mean to you?
I am delighted to have completed the Diploma in Packaging Technology. Embarking on this Diploma has provided me with a strong foundational knowledge on packaging materials and components. This has provided me with the confidence to pursue career opportunities outside of my comfort zone, in material technologies I never had any experience in. I am thankful to the AIP for providing me with the opportunity to complete this Diploma through the annual scholarship program.
Q3: How will you apply this knowledge moving forward?
I currently lead the scoping of major capital investment projects, which sometimes involve packaging machinery. The fundamental knowledge I have gained on packaging machinery is extremely useful and helps to inform my investment recommendations.
Q4: Do you have any advice on why other people should complete the Diploma in Packaging Technology?
This Diploma has truly opened up opportunities for me in my career. Having started my career as a Packaging Technologist, I went on to apply for the role of Sustainable Packaging Manager at APCO, providing technical support to Member organisations on sustainable packaging design.
Q5: So where to from here for your career?
I don’t know yet, but I am sure the Diploma in Packaging Technology will be helpful to me pursuing other opportunities in the future.
Q6: Will you consider applying to become a Certified Packaging Professional as your next professional development stage?
I am currently focusing on some other skills core to becoming an Industrial Engineer – such as Project Management and Business Translation in my professional development. But never say never.
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.