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Packaging technologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Packaging technologists design and develop packaging for different products.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

days / nights / weekends flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a packaging technologist

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job by doing a Packaging Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This can take 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Work

You could start as an assistant packaging technologist or designer and work your way up through training and promotion.

More Information

Further information

You can learn more about working in packaging technology and design from the Packaging Group.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role 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
  • work out ways to make packaging more environmentally friendly
  • write technical reports

Working environment

You could work in a laboratory, in a factory or in an office.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into:

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

You could also work freelance as a packaging consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 6 R&D Packaging Degree Apprenticeship Programme - Leeds, Yorkshire

  • Wage: £17,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Leeds

Level 6 R&D Packaging Degree Apprenticeship Programme - Port Sunlight, Wirral

  • Wage: £17,089.00 Annually
  • Location: Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Foundation Degree Applied Chemistry (HE Route)

  • Provider: LAKES COLLEGE WEST CUMBRIA
  • Start date: 01 February 2024
  • Location: Workington

Applied Science (Chemistry) — Higher National Certificate (HNC)

  • Provider: THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 09 September 2024
  • Location: LIVERPOOL
Find courses near you

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