Packaging professional (integrated degree)
Level 6 · DegreeEngineering and manufacturing 4 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Packaging professionals manage the design, development, testing, and sustainability of packaging systems across food, drink, pharmaceuticals, retail, and logistics. This Level 6 integrated degree apprenticeship leads to a BSc and professional recognition by the Institute of Packaging. Graduates drive packaging innovation, cost reduction, and sustainability improvements for major brands and manufacturers.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Packaging materials - paper, plastics, glass, metal, and composites
Packaging design process from brief to production
Sustainability, circular economy, and packaging regulation
Supply chain logistics and distribution performance of packaging
Quality testing methods for packaging integrity and performance
Consumer insight, retail shelf, and branding considerations
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Develop new packaging designs and manage trials with suppliers
Specify packaging materials and assess sustainability performance
Test packaging for strength, seal integrity, and shelf life
Manage packaging projects from concept to commercial launch
Work with marketing, procurement, and manufacturing teams
Ensure compliance with packaging regulations and labelling law
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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