As the packaging industry moves forward, the need to nurture new talent is becoming increasingly clear.

Every year, new innovations are emerging that revolutionize the industry. From automation and artificial intelligence to next-generation inks and coatings, technological breakthroughs are unlocking efficiencies for converters. However, while these advancements help to optimize print quality and improve throughput, they also put a strain on the industry’s skills requirement.

As the technology used in packaging becomes more complex, the sector finds itself in growing need of technical expertise, and this presents a problem. The talent shortage in packaging is no great secret; for several years the industry has been struggling to attract employees, leaving a growing demand for skilled workers. Often, people beginning a career in packaging come from other roles and industries rather than straight from education, suggesting there may be a lack of a clear pathway for people to enter this industry.

At the same time, the growth of the e-commerce sector is only increasing demand for packaging solutions. This means the skills shortage in the industry could be limiting potential growth. Overcoming this challenge by attracting new recruits and retaining existing talent should therefore be a priority for any business in the sector.

Finding new skilled workers is not an easy proposition, but the answer lies in bolstering the training and education provision in the U.K. Courses like Sheffield Hallam’s BSc Packaging Professional degree apprenticeship program are key to nurturing new talent. This four-year program imparts students with a detailed understanding of the key issues in the packaging industry, covering emerging trends that are reshaping the sector as well as knowledge across the key processes, substrates, technologies and industry challenges.

The course is designed to arm students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the increasingly complex packaging sector. As the only higher-level degree apprenticeship dedicated to packaging in the country, it aims to provide a clear pathway into a career in the industry while raising the status of packaging as a career option, promoting it as a dynamic, engaging, and fulfilling sector.

As well as building new talent, courses like this one can help increase employee retention. Providing training for existing employees can open new career opportunities for them, helping to improve their understanding of the industry across its many complexities, and provide the much-needed support for future leadership roles and responsibilities.

Chris Wood is one such graduate who came to the Higher Degree Apprenticeship BSc Packaging Professional program from an existing career in packaging. Now working as Business Development Manager at Smurfit Kappa, Chris attributes his success to having taken the chance to develop his skills through this course.

“I have worked in the packaging industry for over 10 years, and I wanted to develop my personal and professional skills further,” says Wood. “I saw the degree apprenticeship advertised in my workplace newsletter and that applications were being taken. I felt the course was a great opportunity to achieve a recognised Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualification. An integrated degree apprenticeship was the perfect way to pursue my career goals and develop my skills.”

Wood has since gone on to win the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award at the Inspirational Student Awards 2023, with the judges recognising his commitment to ongoing professional development and career progression. Alongside Chris, other students from the program have repeatedly topped the packaging industry’s leading award lists in recent years with more than 20 wins between them. These include the Food & Drink Federation Apprentice of the Year 2022 & 2024, Unilever’s Women in STEM Award, the UK Packaging Awards, and many more, demonstrating the breadth of talent among course participants.

Wood continues: “The degree apprenticeship has been integral to my development and the success I have achieved to this day. The course has given me the foundational skills needed to reach my full potential. I have exceeded my expectations and would recommend this course to anyone ambitious and looking to further develop their career.”

Ensuring packaging remains an attractive career option requires investment in people. Faced with a growing need for expertise, nurturing talent and encouraging people to enhance their skills and knowledge will be instrumental in the years to come. Programs like Sheffield Hallam University’s Higher Degree Apprenticeship Packaging Professional course provide an outstanding opportunity to do so, increasing the flow of skilled professionals into the packaging industry and building existing talent.