Llewellyn Stephens, will be stepping down from his role as national president of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) in June, to make way for current vice president Craig Wellman who will lead the AIP until 2010. The AIP is now taking applications for the two-year position of vice president to commence in June.
The position of Vice President of the AIP includes a two-year apprenticeship/mentoring program followed by a guaranteed promotion to the presidency in June 2010 for a further period of two-years.
The AIP says the skills required for the position include a passion and commitment to packaging education. Good knowledge of the packaging industry as well as leadership, communication and administration skills.
Llewellyn Stephens says, "The role of President has been an enjoyable and challenging one. It has opened doors and allowed me to meet people that have increased my understanding of packaging technology and the advances it is making now and will make in the future."
Stephens continues, "Some of these technological advances I have been able to use immediately in my job, while others have been filed away for future reference when they may become applicable."
In a AIP statement, Stephens outlined the highlights of his tenure, which included the AUSPACK seminar for 2007, launching packaging training sessions in conjunction with AiGroup, Harry Lovell being awarded his OAM and seeing the on-line packaging certificate being launched.
Today, there is an increasing need for the education services the AIP provides to keep its members and guests abreast of developing technologies, according to Stephens.
He adds, "Collaboration at branch level with like minded organisations like SPE, AIFST, SCLAA, APPITA and SCAA, will continue to provide opportunities for our membership to broaden their exposure to aligned technologies, and expand their network of contacts to ensure they know who to go to for information should the need arise."
