Working with the packaging industry over the last twelve months, the Australian Industry Group (AI Group) has successfully delivered additional training in Victoria that covers current technologies and business practices.
This is part of a Victorian State Government initiative, Industry Skills Adviser (ISA) Project, to increase training in the packaging industry.
A survey of the Packaging Industry revealed the main issues for 2007 were:
- Environmental — sustainable design
- Skills and technical knowledge
- Regulations
- Innovation
These issues have not changed in 2008.
In fact the environmental issues have become more critical along with the need to increase skills and knowledge in the industry.
Co partnering with the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), three short courses (four hour) were delivered and more will continue to be developed for the industry.
Research found that, while the certificate and diploma course are available and have good enrolments, it is important that those working in the industry have an opportunity to undertake short course training that is accessible and covers the technology.
Many practitioners need to understand the basic principles and do not have the time to undertake the formal qualifications.
The first course- Introduction to Plastics — was presented by Pierre Peinaar.
Pierre delivered a precise, non mathematical introduction to Plastics including raw materials, syntheses and application.
He discussed the manufacture and properties of plastics a function of the molecular properties of polymers used in the industry and covered a mountain of material in an efficient and effective manner.
The course was well received and has been replicated in NSW and Qld.
Harry Lovell presented the next course — Packaging Specifications.
Lovell kept the participants focused on the role of specifications relative to the supplier and the user.
He covered the different types of specifications from the basic purchasing to the more complex requirements involving machinery performance.
Participants came away believing suppliers and users all need to do this course.
Robin Tuckerman undertook to take the mystery out of the National Packaging Covenant.
He set out to clarify the objectives of the Covenant and explain a company’s obligations when becoming a signatory.
Adele Weston, from the National Packaging Covenant was also in attendance enabling the most up to date Covenant information to be disseminated.
While many companies are signatories to the Covenant their employees do not always understand the implications and responsibilities.
'Corrugated', a half day course covering the basics of paper making for the box industry will be delivered in May by Ron Mines.
This will cover the technical aspects of box making including board grades, flutes adhesives, styles print, statutory and regulatory requirements and new developments.
Design is another important aspect of the packaging industry.
Together with Design Victorian a seminar was tailored for the industry highlighting how design can be incorporated into the business to increase competitiveness and innovation.
The speakers highlighted the role of branding and design in getting the customers attention in the supermarket area.
Technical knowledge is vital to innovation in the industry however management skills and knowledge is important in the development of businesses in the industry.
But it is more difficult to get people or companies into management training.
Through Swinburne University, a number of short one day course were on offer, such as Project management and Effective Team Leadership, plus the Certificate IV Lean Improvement Program.
While some individuals and companies have taken up this training the industry is more focused on the technical training.
The success of the Industry Skills Adviser Project lies in the alliances made with the key organisations in the industry and Government.
Both AIP and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) are very supportive of the program and ready to implement training that keeps their members abreast of current developments in the industry and furthers the growth of the industry as a whole.
The Packaging Industry is involved in just about all industry and manufacturing. It is important that those responsible for packaging understand the technologies and applications and environmental issues.
People move in and out of the industry regularly. The short courses offer these people an opportunity for a quick update and entry into the more involved training.
For further information about training in the packaging industry contact Brian Curtin at Australian Industry Group on telephone 03 9867 0111.
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