The PIABC Level 2 Award in Sustainable Packaging is an entry level course that has been designed to give those starting out in technical roles or working in non-technical supporting roles a brief insight in to the functions of packaging, the materials used by the industry and how they are used to make different packs, and how pack and product are brought together.  

Completion of this qualification packaging gives you a solid basis on which to further develop your skills, should you wish to. It is the ideal first qualification for those that have been out of formal learning for some time and is a great way for those in supporting roles to gain an insight in to the technical world of packaging.  Delegates who successfully complete this qualification are demonstrating their commitment to the industry and equipping themselves for progression.

Who is this course aimed at?

The PIABC Level 2 Award in Sustainable Packaging is suitable for those wanting to enhance their employment and progression opportunities in the packaging and related industries.  Typical learners are those who:

  • Handle and use packaging
  • Liaise with specifiers, users and handlers of packaging
  • Liaise with packaging suppliers
  • New recruits to a packaging company that require an introduction to the broad subject of packaging
  • Those looking for an entry level qualification as the first step to progressing in the packaging industry
  • Those that are not working directly in the packaging industry that wish to broaden their knowledge in this area

How can I study this course?

This is an online course that you can start at any time throughout the year and work through the course material at a time and pace to suit you.  Help is on hand from our tutor should you need it and we are happy to set up virtual tutorials to go through aspects of the course that you are finding challenging.

How is the course structured?

The PIABC Level 2 Award in Packaging is comprised of three Units:

  • Unit 1 - Packaging Roles & Functions
    In this unit you wil explore how packaging can promote the sale of products and ensure it provides all the necessary information.  You will learn about how packaging preserves and prevents damage as a product moves through the supply chain, and by the end of the unit you will be able to apply the functions of packaging to a range of packs.
  • Unit 2 - Packaging Materials
    In this unit you will look at the properties of materials that are important to packaging applications and how these can be modified  You will learn to identify the key performance characteristics for a given packaging application and they are measured.  The learning materials cover glass, metal, plastic, and fibre-based materials and, although you can study all of these, we recommend you focus on the one or two that are most relevant to your role.
  • Unit 3 - Packaging Operations
    In this unit you will explore some of the different techniques that can be used to bring product and pack together.  You will learn about different filling and sealing techniques and the tests that are carried out to check that filled packs are fit for purpose.

How is the qualification assessed?

The PIABC Level 2 Award in Sustainable Packaging is assessed through three short, written assignments that you will carryout at the end of each unit.  In your assignments you should apply the knowledge you have learnt to answer the set questions; each assignment should be approximately 750 words long.  

How long does it take to complete this qualification?

The PIABC Level 2 Award in Sustainable Packaging course has a recommended total learning time of approximately 30 hours split across working your way through the course content, and writing your assignments.  Working on average for 3 hours each week, we expect our learners to take approximately three months to complete the qualification.

How much does the course cost?

Our PIABC Level 2 Award in Sustainable Packaging course costs £795 +VAT at 20% where applicable. IOM3 members and subscribers to our Business Partner Programme are entitled to a discount of 10% on the course fee.

There is an additional awarding body fee of £115 (VAT free).  This covers your registration with PIABC, verification of your assessment results and certification on completion of the qualification.

 

Register to undertake the online PIABC Level 2 Award in Sustainable Packaging course