APPMA, AIP launch search for 2013 scholar

The Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) and the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) are calling for submissions for the fifth annual scholarship program, which will offer a packaging engineer the opportunity to complete a Diploma in Packaging Technology.

The groups have advised that submissions are due before close-of-business on 22 March 2013, with the winner to be announced during the 2013 APPMA Awards of Excellence during AUSPACK PLUS 2013 show in Sydney next May.

“The Diploma in Packaging Technology is a Level 5 qualification which is internationally recognised for those wishing to pursue a career in the packaging industry or for those who are already in the industry and who wish to extend their knowledge and expertise. It has been offered by the AIP continuously since 1980 and has an exemplary record of successful students,” APPMA chairman, Mark Dingley, said.

“The Diploma prepares students to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain. The qualification is comprehensive, and provides an opportunity to study the principles of packaging, packaging materials and packaging processes.”

This year's winner, announced at the AIP National Conference in Queensland in June, was Anna Roland, technical officer, Betta Foods Australia.

“Winning the APPMA Scholarship gives me the opportunity to develop my understanding in both the design and practical aspects of packaging which, without this help, would take a lot longer to save up and begin,” Roland said.

“I am hoping that the learnings from the Diploma in Packaging Technology will provide greater support to the production floor and in the development of new products by our marketing and technical teams.

“In the short term, saving time detecting causes of packaging defects and reducing risk associated with product development and, in the long term, laying a foundation of technical knowledge to build on as I contribute to product development and improvement.”

Application forms for the 2013 scholarship are available by emailing appma@appma.com.au or info@aipack.com.au or visiting either www.appma.com.au or www.aipack.com.au.