PIABC Level 5 Award in the Role & Functions of Packaging
The PIABC Level 5 Award in Role and Functions of Packaging (QN: 610/1596/9) is a nationally recognised packaging qualification which prepares learners for progression in the packaging industry to a position where they can assume responsibility for packaging in a company at any point in the supply chain.
It is suitable for those wanting to enhance their employment and progression opportunities in the packaging and related industries and there are two broad target groups:
- People currently employed in parts of the industry who want to broaden their knowledge and understanding and take on greater levels of responsibility. Due to the diverse nature of the packaging and related industries, it is difficult to define this target group in terms of precise job functions.
- People who are not currently employed in the industry, who may be following courses in associate subject areas such as packaging design, food science/technology, materials science/engineering, and logistics, will find that this programme broadens the scope of their studies.
The recommended minimum entry requirements for this programme are 1 GCE A level and 5 GCSEs at grade A – C, including one science subject, and the key skills of numeracy, communication and information technology, or the PIABC Level 3 Certificate in Packaging qualification. Alternatively, learners should be able to clearly demonstrate, for example through experience in the packaging industry, that they are likely to succeed in the programme of study.
The qualification is comprised of six learning outcomes:
- Understand the role, functions, and impact of packaging in the world today.
- Understand the structure and interactions of elements in the packaging supply chain from raw materials to end use and disposal.
- Understand how active and intelligent packaging technologies can enhance traditional packaging methodologies.
- Understand how packaging complies with regulatory practices.
- Understand the factors that impact on environmental sustainability of packaging.
- Understand how packaging communicates and satisfies customer needs.
This qualification is assessed by one two-hour closed-book examination.