Summary
As a Packaging Technologist Apprentice, you will work to remove unnecessary packaging, reduce packaging use, and implement recyclable solutions. You will also help deliver packaging innovation for our customers and support compliance programmes across the UK and Europe. This is both an office and factory based role which will include travel.
Wage
£22,000 a year
This is a 5-year apprenticeship and there is a planned salary increase after each successful year - More to be discussed at the interview stage
Training course
Packaging professional (integrated degree) (level 6)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm
40 hours a week
Possible start date
Thursday 1 May
Duration
4 years
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
* With this apprenticeship programme, you’ll be working toward completing a Level 6 Packaging Development degree apprenticeship
* This 48-month programme, delivered in conjunction with Sheffield University will have you learning the ins and outs of packaging development and you have lots of opportunity to apply your new learning
* In this role, you’ll be working within our manufacturing sites which process beef and lamb
* This will include spending time in our boning hall and retailing packing area. Overtime, you will be responsible for Building relationships internally and externally, you'll provide guidance and present work to stakeholders
* Your responsibilities also include managing your own work with a high level of organisation, responding positively to complex situations, and operating effectively as part of the group packaging development team, ensuring good communication and shared responsibilities
Where you’ll work
ABP Shrewsbury,
1 Battlefield Rd,
Shrewsbury,
Shropshire
SY1 4AH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
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 (integrated degree) Apprenticeship Standard:
* The location of the training facility in Sheffield University
* Your block releases will consist of attending the university campus throughout the year for a week. Accommodation and expenses are provided at no cost
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade A* - C / 9 - 4)
* Maths (grade A* - C / 9 - 4)
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
* Attention to detail
* Problem solving skills
* Analytical skills
* Creative
Other requirements
A levels or Level 3 qualification. Minimum GCSE in English (Grade 4/C) and Maths (Grade 5/B) or above. Basic knowledge or interest in packaging and sustainability. Basic knowledge of red meat and/or lamb operations would be beneficial but not essential. Positive attitude and proactive approach.