Degree course changes fail to cut a career path for packaging

Proposed changes to degree-level qualifications in packaging technology still leave the UK lagging behind other parts of Europe where the discipline is recognised as a career path in its own right.

Five years ago, the Institute of Packaging (IOP), now part of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, launched its Certificate in Packaging. United Biscuits (UB) says this has helped to ensure that internal teams have essential technical skills.

But with half of its 22 manufacturing sites outside the UK, UB sees clear differences among higher-level job applicants. European packaging technology controller Barry Pamplin says: "When you are recruiting in the rest of Europe, you find people have degrees in packaging technology. In the UK, that's nigh on impossible."

Even though UB continues to back the IOP Certificate enthusiastically, uptake among other food companies has been low. Further education in the UK appears unconcerned about providing specialist courses.

Historically, Pamplin argues, the skill set has been split among food and materials science, and design and engineering, with marketing playing an increasingly important role.

Bradford College is considering starting a foundation degree in the next couple of years, possibly leading to a full BEng degree.

The IOP also has its Diploma, at the same level as a degree but more limited in scope. New proposals see the current 120h course becoming just the first part of a three-part Diploma by 2008.

Loughborough and Brunel Universities, which in the past have offered a joint MSc in Packaging Technology, are understood to be offering two separate courses from next year.