A graduate of the Diploma in Packaging Technology, Helen Walters MAIP, expressed amazement at how many people do not understand what packaging entails and that too many consider it's only about packing a box! Helen says she reminds such thinkers to "look in their pantry and fridge and ask (themselves) how it (the product) got there - still tasty, safe and undamaged".

Packaging is a cradle to grave issue that affects every one of our lives, whether producer or consumer. Guaranteed, if you are reading this article, your life is impacted by packaging somewhere from the concept stage to the planning or production, to the launch, to the purchase or discarding or recycling stage. No-one can escape the impact of packaging. No-one in industry should escape continually learning about the importance of this ubiquitous part of production.

As a packaging technology consultant, I frequently hear the cry of recruitment organisations, and of industry about the shortage of skilled people in the packaging industry; particularly those with a formal education in packaging.

Are you one of these companies who have become frustrated that your designers or your marketing or procurement departments or your production floor or your sales people do not consider sufficiently the paramount importance that packaging should play regardless of the product it holds? Or, perhaps you have not stopped long enough to consider this importance since your focus is on the quality of the product. It is a rare product than can be separated from its pack when considering the power of packaging to sell a product.

Your response may be, "Give me a break! I am recovering from the worst economic slump in decades, and you want me to invest in education?" The lean experience has resulted in cutting costs throughout the industry in order to survive. Reduced labour costs, introduction of automation and technology, rigorous evaluation of all expenditures in order to maintain productivity and the elimination of poorly performing business lines and products has meant only the best can stay. Are you going to be among the best in your field over this next decade? Whether employer or employee, it may be time to consider investing in your future right now. You may think you are not in the immediate packaging industry and, therefore, cannot benefit from a greater knowledge of this powerful industry. We are all in this industry - whether we recognise it or not.

As an employee you surely agree there is a positive correlation between education and earnings. Your thought right now may be that you do not have the time to study further to improve your opportunities and income. Have you considered the statistics on the difference education can make to lifetime earnings? And increasing number of future jobs will require someone with at least a licence or a certificate. It has become a competitive world. Are you ready for it? The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) applauds those companies and individuals who commit to grabbing opportunities which will continue to improve their knowledge and understanding of the environment which earns for them their bread and butter.

The AIP offers on-line learning for a Certificate of Packaging as well as a Diploma in Packaging Technology. These focus on the art, engineering and science of packaging technology and are acknowledged by 27 countries around the world. On-line learning offers convenience and flexibility along with a supportive course tutor.

The AIP also offers a Corporate Partnering Program where businesses opt for a tailored training program that focuses on their specific requirements and provides a bespoke learning experience for a specific group of employees or an entire workforce. Training programs can be designed to lead into a qualification if required or to provide a set of information specific to a business or market area. Perhaps this will be the year you decide you can no longer ignore the need for increasing not only production but, dare I say more importantly, increasing knowledge so that production increase will flow on from this.

Pierre Pienaar MSc FAIP
National President
Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP)