• What does a <Packaging development technologist> do?

Within the business, I am part of the wider R&D team which allows me to be involved in a range of NPD and EPD projects from concept to launch. When I found my apprenticeship, I was surprised at the variety of responsibilities that fall under a packaging technologist. My day-to-day tasks vary as one day I could be on the factory floor for packaging trials, to the next day looking at design concepts for new products. However overall, the packaging team’s main responsibility is to ensure that the packaging is fit for purpose for the different type of products that spread across Premier Food’s brand portfolio.

• How did you end up in this job?

My original plan was to follow the traditional university route, as I had already applied for university before I had found my apprenticeship. However, after understanding more around the benefits that apprenticeships offer, I knew that if I was accepted into an apprenticeship scheme, I would choose it over university. I wasn’t fully aware around how big the packaging industry was before joining my company. When I had researched for apprenticeships, I knew the main thing to look for was a role that involved product design.

• What’s the best thing about your job?

The most positive part of my apprenticeship has been the different types of exposure I’ve had to developing my skill set. I enjoy working alongside different stakeholders across the business both internal and external. For example, it can range from presenting briefs to external suppliers, to developing prototypes using the 3D printer or the thermoformer to show to marketing. I like the creativity and really enjoy working on the innovation side of packaging developments.

• How long have you been doing your job?

I’ve been doing my role for over 1.5 years.

• What was your starting salary?

My starting salary was 22,000 p/a.