AIP: Increasing packaging awareness through packaging technology courses
The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) offers two internationally-recognised on-line courses in Packaging Technology – a two- to three-year Diploma and a shorter, Certificate program. The AIP has an agreement with the originating provider, the UK Institute of Packaging, to administer and promote the courses in the Australasian region, and has run the Diploma course continuously since 1981. It was first offered on-line in November 2003.
Students can enrol and commence studies at any time but are encouraged to start in the first half of the year (examinations are held in May and November only). There are no formal entry requirements for the courses. However, the minimum education level recommended for the Diploma is a TAFE Certificate qualification.
Current course fees are A$5,000 (incl. gst) for the Diploma and A$4500 (incl. gst) for the Certificate and cover all lesson materials, textbooks, tutorial service, examination registration fees, and compulsory membership of the AIP for the first year. Continued membership of the Institute is a prerequisite of the courses (A$165 p.a.).
Founded in 1963, the Australian Institute of Packaging is the professional body for packaging technologists and others involved in the packaging industry in Australasia, aiming to increase awareness of the industry. Its primary function is to offer education, technical training and networking opportunities to its members.
The Certificate in Packaging
The Certificate course is an open learning course aimed at people wanting an understanding of packaging but not a comprehensive knowledge of technical data (e.g. sales/marketing staff, buyers, retailers, supply chain personnel, etc.).
Students have two years to complete their studies, although one is usually sufficient, and can use the Certificate as the first step towards the Diploma course.
The Certificate comprises seven learning modules: Fundamentals of Packaging; Metals; Glass; Paper & Board; Plastics; Packaging Design & Marketing; and Commercial Aspects of Packaging.
The Diploma in Packaging Technology
The Diploma course provides comprehensive coverage of packaging technology including development to implementation; packaging materials; design; machinery; storage
and distribution, etc. Students have up to three years to complete their program, but many require less time (average 12 to 18 months).
The Diploma comprises sixteen modules. Except for module 1, each unit should take two-to-three weeks to complete. Students are required to submit an assignment for each unit as well as undertake a two-part examination plus a dissertation.
Diploma course modules include: Fundamentals of Packaging; Metals; Glass; Paper & Board; Plastics; Closures; Adhesives, Labels & Labelling; Packaging Design & Marketing; Printing & Decorating; Legal Aspects of Packaging; Packaging Machinery; Warehousing and Distributions; Commercial Aspects of Packaging; Quality Aspects of Packaging; Environmental Aspects of Packaging; and Packaging Development.
