The AIP would like to congratulate Michaela Cooke, Quality Control Chemist - Packaging, Ego Pharmaceuticals for graduating from the Diploma in Packaging Technology.

Why did you decide to enrol in the Diploma in Packaging Technology?

Ego saw that there was a gap in our expertise in packaging technology, so I enrolled in the Diploma in Packaging Technology to further my career in the packaging industry and to expand the expertise within our small group of packaging technologists and engineers here at Ego Pharmaceuticals.  We wanted to ensure we could deliver the best packaging outcomes for our rapidly growing business.

Prior to this I had learnt through on-the-job experience, half-day training courses and site visits.  I felt I needed to take this next step to increase my knowledge base and learn about areas of packaging technology that weren't part of my day-to-day work.

What benefits have you attained from the Diploma in Packaging Technology?

There was an immediate impact on my job - I was able to apply my new knowledge almost straight away.  It improved how I could identify and handle issues with packaging deliveries as well as issues that came up during filling.  I have also improved a number of processes and expanded the amount of data we capture about packaging.

The Diploma in Packaging Technology gave me lots of ideas and inspiration.  I also was lucky enough to meet with a few other students doing the course and we were able to organise a couple of site tours to each other's businesses with a focus on course content.  I found this really beneficial as I have never worked in food, which is a big focus for the course.

What advice do you have for new people starting out in the industry about the importance of education?

I think if you are intelligent and have good common sense you can get quite far without formal education, but since completing the course I have realised how much I did not know and how important it is to have that base of knowledge.

I also think it is good to learn at least a little about all areas of packaging technology which you are unlikely to achieve as a junior without formal education.  It is really hard work while working full time but it is worth sticking with it.

Where to from here? What are your goals and aspirations?

I have lots of ideas and improvements I would like to implement in my job, I am very focused on continuous improvement and the values of Ego.  The Diploma in Packaging Technology has enabled me to not only to have these ideas, but also has given me the skills to implement them effectively.  I would also like to look at becoming a Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) in the near future.