Applications are now open for the annual Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) scholarship program for Australia and New Zealand, which is run in partnership with the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP).
The scholarship program will give one eligible candidate the opportunity to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology, and a second person the opportunity to undertake a Certificate in Packaging.
Eligible candidates will come from across food, beverage, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries in Australia and New Zealand.
In addition, the AIP will provide the winning candidates complimentary attendance at 3x training courses from the Institute’s education portfolio.
The Diploma in Packaging Technology, which is internationally recognised as the premier qualification in the packaging industry, is a Level 5 PIABC, 51-credit foundation degree-level qualification.
The newly developed course, based on the revised specification released in 2022, prepares learners to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain and can lead to higher level study.
The 2022 winner of the scholarship for the Diploma, Mark Saturnino, packaging specialist at Woolworths, said he was very fortunate to be chosen as the recipient and for the judges believing in his ability.
“Winning the scholarship really was a pivotal moment in my career development as a packaging professional,” said Saturnino.
“I regard the Diploma as the key to accelerate my career on multiple fronts as I will be able to deepen and widen my packaging knowledge-base and practical skills. With hard work and diligence, I am optimistic that by bettering myself through the Diploma, I will be of better service to the industry.
“I strongly encourage everyone who is currently employed in materials and/or packaging to apply for the scholarship.”
The Certificate in Packaging is an introduction to the industry for those starting out on an exciting career in packaging.
The Certificate is a Level 3 PIABC course that is recognised as giving an excellent foundation in, and introduction to, the packaging industry.
The new course, based on the revised specification released in 2022, provides a level of insight and understanding of the packaging industry that adds real and measurable value to careers and businesses.
“Winning the scholarship has emphasised that you don’t need to be working with the big conglomerate to make a difference, and that every small contribution that I, and each of us make will help to improve sustainability, and to keep our planet safe for our future,” added Lea Reynolds, commercialisation manager at Steggall Nutrition.
“Receiving the scholarship to undertake the Certificate in Packaging is so important to me as it helps to fill in knowledge gaps.
“Studying also allows me to keep up-to-date with accurate information to assist in educating and influencing others to make informed decisions about the best packaging options available.”
In addition, the AIP President’s scholarship has been designed to work in collaboration with the ABA program to help one more recipient to undertake either a Certificate in Packaging or a Diploma in Packaging Technology each year.
To be eligible, candidates must be an AIP member and will come from across the entire industry in Australia and New Zealand.
To find out more about the criteria and the entry forms, click here.
