How to Start a Career in the Packaging Industry: A Guide for Students & Graduates
If you are a student thinking about your career options, packaging might not be the first industry that comes to mind. Yet it is one of the most stable, diverse and opportunity-rich sectors in the UK, offering long-term careers across engineering, technology, sales, production, sustainability and leadership.
Packaging touches almost every product we use, from food and drink to healthcare, cosmetics and e-commerce. Because of this, the industry continues to grow, evolve and invest in new talent. For students willing to learn and get involved, it offers clear entry routes and strong progression.
This guide explains what the packaging industry really looks like, the types of roles available, how to get your foot in the door, and where to find real apprenticeship and graduate opportunities.
The size and importance of the UK packaging industry
The UK packaging industry is far larger than most people realise. It produces well over one hundred billion packaging units each year and continues to grow as demand increases across food, retail and online delivery. Thousands of businesses operate across the sector, from global manufacturers to specialist suppliers, employing hundreds of thousands of people nationwide.
Growth is being driven by sustainability, innovation and changing consumer behaviour. Businesses are investing heavily in new materials, improved designs and more efficient production. As a result, there is a consistent need for new skills and fresh thinking entering the industry.
For students, this means packaging is not a niche career path. It is a broad, essential industry with long-term security and real opportunity.
Infographic showing UK packaging industry revenue, employment figures and number of businesses, alongside a bar chart comparing packaging revenue to the UK film and television industry.
The infographic above highlights the true scale of the UK packaging sector. The industry generates approximately £23.5 billion in annual revenue, supports around 142,000 jobs, and consists of roughly 15,000 businesses across manufacturing, logistics, design, technology, sales and commercial functions.
This is not a niche market. It is a major part of the UK economy that touches almost every consumer product sold in the country.
The bar chart further puts this into perspective. When compared to UK film and high end television production, which generates around £5.6 billion, the packaging industry is more than four times larger in revenue terms.
The takeaway is simple. Packaging is one of the UK’s most significant and stable industries, offering scale, opportunity and long term career potential across a wide range of disciplines.
Why packaging is a strong career choice for students
One of the biggest advantages of a career in packaging is variety. There is no single route or background required, and many people working in the industry did not originally plan to end up there.
Some are drawn to the technical side, working with materials, machinery and product development. Others thrive in commercial roles, building relationships and helping customers solve packaging challenges. There are also creative and design-focused roles, as well as operational and leadership positions for those who enjoy managing people and processes.
Another benefit is progression. Packaging companies often promote from within, and it is common to see people move into senior roles relatively early in their careers compared to other industries.
Types of roles available in the UK Packaging Industry
How students can enter the packaging industry
Apprenticeships and earn-while-you-learn routes
Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to start a career in packaging. They allow you to gain real experience while earning a salary and working towards a recognised qualification.
Several major organisations offer structured packaging apprenticeships that combine on-the-job learning with formal study.
Nestlé, for example, runs a packaging degree apprenticeship where apprentices work on real packaging projects across some of the UK’s most recognisable brands. The programme lasts several years, offers a competitive salary from day one, and provides exposure to sustainability, design and production environments.
Apply here: Packaging Apprenticeship | Nestlé UK & Ireland
Kite Packaging offers management-focused apprenticeships designed for those interested in leadership, operations and commercial development. Apprentices gain experience across multiple departments while studying alongside their role.
Apply here: Our programmes | Kite Packaging
DS Smith offers engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships across its UK packaging sites. These programmes are ideal for students interested in corrugated production, automation, maintenance engineering and operational management. Apprentices work within live manufacturing environments while studying towards nationally recognised qualifications. DS Smith is known for its strong sustainability focus, so apprentices also gain exposure to circular economy principles and innovative fibre based packaging development.
Apply here: Kick-start or fresh-start with our apprenticeships. Find your future here. - DS Smith
Smurfit Westrock, formerly Smurfit Kappa in the UK, runs engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships across its packaging plants. Apprentices gain experience in production technology, process optimisation and leadership within one of the largest paper based packaging businesses in the world. The programmes combine structured training with real responsibility from day one, making them an excellent entry point into long term careers in operations or technical management.
Apply here: https://www.smurfitkappa.com/uk/careers/apprenticeships
Manufacturing-focused businesses such as Wessex Packaging also offer packaging technician apprenticeships, ideal for those who prefer hands-on technical work within production environments. These roles build strong foundations in machinery, quality and process control.
Apprenticeships typically require good GCSEs or equivalent, particularly in English and Maths, alongside a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in the industry.
University and further education routes
Some students choose to study subjects such as packaging technology, materials science, engineering, product design or manufacturing management. These routes can lead to careers in research and development, packaging design, technical management or sustainability-focused roles.
Professional bodies such as the Institute of Packaging Professionals offer respected qualifications that help students and graduates gain a deeper understanding of packaging before entering the industry. These courses are particularly valuable for those aiming to move into technical or development-based roles.
Loughborough University
Product Design Engineering, highly regarded for manufacturing and materials innovation.
Course page: Product Design Engineering BEng | Undergraduate study | Loughborough University
Sheffield Hallam University
BSc Packaging Design and related product design programmes with strong industry links.
Course page: Packaging Professional | Sheffield Hallam University
University of Lincoln
BSc Product Design with pathways relevant to packaging development and sustainable materials.
Course page: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/prdprdub/
University of Strathclyde
Product Design Engineering BEng / Product Design & Innovation BSc / MSci
Strathclyde offers a range of degrees in product design and engineering, combining technical design, CAD, prototyping and manufacturing knowledge - excellent preparation for packaging technology and R&D roles.
Undergraduate courses: https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/productdesignengineeringbeng/
Product Design & Innovation: https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/productdesigninnovationbsc/
University of Dundee
Product Design BSc (Hons) A highly ranked undergraduate degree focused on product design, prototyping, materials, CAD and sustainability - all valuable foundations for careers in packaging design or development.
Course page: https://www.dundee.ac.uk/undergraduate/product-design
Common packaging career paths and salary expectations
Packaging offers roles at every level and across multiple disciplines.
Packaging technologists focus on designing and developing packaging solutions that protect products, meet regulations and support sustainability goals. In the UK, average salaries typically sit in the mid to high thirty-thousand-pound range, rising with experience.
Packaging technicians work closely with machinery and production processes. These roles suit people who enjoy practical, hands-on work and often act as stepping stones into supervisory or engineering positions.
Sales and commercial roles involve working with customers to provide packaging solutions. These positions often combine a base salary with commission and can become very lucrative for high performers.
Production and operations managers oversee teams, efficiency and output. With experience, these roles offer strong earning potential and long-term career stability.
How to prepare before applying
Students who succeed in packaging tend to prepare early. Learning about materials, sustainability and manufacturing processes gives you an advantage, even before your first role.
Practical experience matters. Internships, placements, part-time roles or project work related to manufacturing, design or supply chains all help demonstrate commitment and interest.
When applying for roles or apprenticeships, tailor your CV. Show what you have learned, what you have achieved and why packaging interests you. Employers want to see curiosity, effort and potential, not just qualifications.
The future of packaging and why it matters
Packaging is changing rapidly. Sustainability targets, material innovation and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping how packaging is designed and produced. This makes it an exciting time to join the industry.
Students entering packaging today will help shape how products are protected, transported and presented in the future. It is a sector where problem-solving, creativity and technical skill come together, and where motivated individuals can build long-term, meaningful careers.
Final thoughts for students
The packaging industry offers real opportunity for students who are willing to learn, get involved and take initiative. Whether you choose an apprenticeship, a university route or an entry-level role, packaging provides a stable foundation with room to grow.
For those looking for an industry that values practical skills, innovation and people who want to make an impact, packaging is well worth serious consideration.
Sources and further reading
UK packaging industry growth and output data
https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/united-kingdom-packaging-industry-key-155400369.html
Government guidance on packaging apprenticeships
https://apprenticeships.blog.gov.uk/2018/11/01/new-packaging-apprenticeship-will-offer-opportunities-to-join-the-industry-at-a-key-time-in-its-history/
Nestlé packaging apprenticeship
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/reference/2000007807
Kite Packaging apprenticeship opportunities
https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/reference/1000327029
Average packaging technologist salaries
https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Salaries/packaging-technologist-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
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