Researchers are canvassing opinion from producers and users of packaging about a proposed International Packaging Centre of Excellence, with options for practical training, development and testing laboratories as well as conference facilities.
The centre was originally the brainchild of Khalid Sheikh, chairman of Clifton Packaging in Leicestershire. The proposed site would be adjacent to Clifton's factory, which includes food-grade contract packing, and would allow students to see the practical side of the industry, says the centre's development director John Webb-Jenkins (see picture above). The centre would operate as an independent organisation, and qualifications offered could include vocationally related qualifications (VRQs) and national vocational qualifications (NVQs).
Webb-Jenkins, formerly chief executive of the Institute of Packaging (IOP), says: "We want to be able to work with all providers of education and training, particularly the IOP."
He adds: "If the UK packaging sector is to survive against the might of the Asia-Pacific economies, it's got to be a knowledge-based industry." He sees a threat from countries such as China, which is establishing a large 'centre of excellence' of its own.
Webb-Jenkins believes the initiative could help to attract overseas students to the UK. "It combines a sound UK training base with the opportunity to market the skills we develop worldwide," he says. The response -- and potential government funding -- will depend on the amount of data collected by research company Fred Hoyland Associates, and the views expressed by respondents.
Fred Hoyland has been commissioned to survey the training and development needs of the industry, including the food sector. Anyone wishing to respond have until the end of November. Go to: http://www.eomniform.com/servlet/FillForm/research/Questionnaire.