5 replies to this topic

[Simon]

Responding to the industry's needs

The UK's Institute of Packaging is helping to launch European-wide diploma in packaging. But as IoP chief executive Lynda Purser outlined in her speech at Total 2004, both the Institute and the packaging industry, as a whole must do more to attract graduates.

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I've been involved with the packaging industry for a number of years and had zero contact with the IoP. I wondered how much you are involved with the IoP? Are you an IoP member? Does or has your organisation worked with the IoP in any capacity? Do you even know what the IoP do? If not why not?

From what I've read and heard recently it does look like the new IoP chief executive Lynda Purser is working hard to reinvigorate the Institute of Packaging.

Did you know the UK packaging industry employs around 250,000 people and has an annual turnover of £20-25 billion?
Source: www.iop.co.uk.

Regards,
Simon

[Franco]

The UK's Institute of Packaging is helping to launch European-wide diploma in packaging. Both the Institute and the packaging industry, as a whole must do more to attract graduates.

Should they ? Really ?
If packaging industries had a scientific approach to solve technical problems, there should be plenty of graduates competing for IoP qualification and many companies looking for these professionals.
If commercial agreement is thought to be the panacea, then business schools and MBA will be the best choice for young graduates IMHO

[Simon]

Franco,

I don't really understand what you are saying mate.

Simon

[Franco]

Hi Simon,

sorry for my bad English.

I feel a bit confused, but I'm trying to say that packaging companies need qualified technicians if they want to solve technical problems and improve quality and Customer satisfaction.

Hence I do believe IoP qualification is useful for companies that encourage people to solve technical problems and improve quality, REAL quality, I mean not just the pantomime I've been used to.

The situation I've been experiencing here in Italy is that most technical problems are solved on a commercial basis and we're getting poorer of techicians while enriching the salesmen rooster

Few italian packaging companies are quality oriented, most are pantomime oriented

[Simon]

I'm with you now Franco thanks for the clarification.

I argue that we all need to have a deeper understanding of the processes in our organisations and the skills inherent within them. Technical / Quality people need to be more commercially aware and commercial people need to understand what we make and how me make it. This way we all become a more valuable resource for our customers both inside and outside of the organisation.

Perhaps the IOP course should include a section on 'how to bull~1*# successfully'.

BTW Franco your English is NEVER bad.

Regards,
Simon

[Franco]

Thank you Simon

I agree with you.

Maybe communication skills should be part of the training too.