Contract Packaging Education and Training

Getting a comprehensive contract packaging training education

Contract packaging education and training can put you way ahead of your competition. In the next five years, contract packaging is the only packaging segment expected to grow. That's great news for the industry, but it means there will be even more competition for employees. Contract packers or packagers provide a valuable service to companies that choose to focus solely on their core business and also to those that simply can't afford the personnel, space, materials, equipment and other costs associated with packaging.

As a contract packager, you can create more opportunities and serve more customers if you aggressively go after the plentiful training and education opportunities available. Focus on three sources of education and training for the contract packaging industry:

1. Training programs beneficial to contract packaging professionals.

2. College degrees that boost the contract packager to a higher professional level.

3. Trade shows and conferences that showcase new contract packaging resources.

 

Move ahead of the competition with a degree in contract packaging education and training

You'll discover a whole new appreciation and understanding of the business opportunities once you complete an advanced degree related to the packaging industry. That knowledge will result in additional contract packaging services and improve your bottom line.
Try: Earn a Master of Science in Packaging online from Michigan State University School of Packaging. While at the website, click on the links at the top of the page to find other online learning opportunities for you and/or your employees. The University of Wisconsin-Stout offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Packaging. Consider Clemson University’s Sonoco Institute if your passion is packaging and graphics design.

Look within the packaging industry for contract packaging training opportunities

Contract packaging companies can find ample resources for the training they need, whether it be through trade associations or even packaging equipment manufacturers themselves.
Try: Joining the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) can provide a wealth of educational opportunities. Attend IoPP seminars, participate in web seminars or arrange for in-house packaging training. Additionally, work towards or apply for Certified Packaging Professional accreditation and recognition using work experience and/or education. Consider training from the manufacturer of your packaging equipment. ARPAC, a manufacturer of shrink bundlers, multipackers, pallet stretch wrappers and other packaging equipment offers training to its products' end users. Machine operators and maintenance personnel can attend free training courses regularly scheduled at its ARPAC University near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

Attend conferences, trade shows and other forums important to the contract packager

Conference and trade show attendees will find new contract packaging resources and educational materials pertinent to their particular business, whether it be contract chemical packaging, liquid contract packaging or contract food packaging.
Try: For a good trade show resource, start your search by clicking on any of the links for trade shows at the Contract Packaging Association website. Make plans to attend this year's annual Contract Packaging Forum. If you specialize in contract filling and packaging for pharmaceuticals, add the Pharmaceutical Packaging Forum to your calendar.

 

• Make sure you carefully document all training and education related to contract packing that you receive to incorporate all training and certification into a professional resume. Take your career a step further with a PMMI (Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute) Certified Trainer program specifically designed for the contract packaging industry.

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