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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)

£22,000 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'll usually need a foundation degree, a higher national diploma or a degree in packaging technology or packaging design.

Other relevant subjects include:

  • materials science
  • food technology
  • nutrition
  • physics
  • 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 through a packaging professional degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Work

You could start as a packaging line operator. You could then work your way up as your experience grows and by doing industry training.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more on careers in packaging technology and design from The Packaging Society.

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 competently

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 a brief, to try out different materials and designs
  • run production trials and tests
  • make sure the packaging meets quality standards, works properly and is safe
  • meet with production line engineers to work out the best way to make the packaging
  • work with graphic designers on the artwork, to make sure it's 'on brand'
  • come up with solutions to make packaging more environmentally friendly
  • write technical reports and resource plans

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 areas like marketing and sales, project or people management or artwork design.

You could go freelance as a packaging consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a packaging technologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Foundation Degree Applied Chemistry (HE Route)

  • Provider: LAKES COLLEGE WEST CUMBRIA
  • Start date: 01 August 2023
  • Location: Workington

A-Level Physics/A-Level Chemistry/BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate Applied Science

  • Provider: WALSALL COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Walsall
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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