Packaging Technician (Food and Beverage)

Seal in freshness and appeal as a Packaging Technician in the food and beverage industry.

Be the final guardian of quality, ensuring that each product is perfectly packaged to catch the consumer’s eye and maintain its integrity from factory to table.

As a Packaging Technician in the food and beverage industry, you’ll play a crucial role in the final stages of product manufacturing. You’ll operate and maintain a variety of packaging equipment, including filling machines, sealers, labellers, and coding devices. In this role, you will ensure that products are packaged correctly, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety regulations.

Your attention to detail will be essential in maintaining product quality and presentation. In this position, you’ll be responsible for setting up and adjusting packaging lines for different products and formats. You’ll need to understand the specific requirements for each product, from portion sizes to packaging materials. You’ll monitor the packaging process, making real-time adjustments to ensure consistent quality. This might involve fine-tuning fill levels, checking seal integrity, or adjusting label placement. You’ll also be vigilant for any packaging defects or irregularities, taking prompt action to correct issues and minimise waste.

Furthermore, as a Packaging Technician, you’ll play a key role in maintaining packaging efficiency and reducing downtime. You’ll perform routine maintenance on packaging equipment, such as cleaning, lubricating, and replacing worn parts. You’ll troubleshoot minor technical issues and coordinate with maintenance teams for more complex repairs. You’ll also be involved in implementing packaging innovations, working with R&D teams to test new materials or formats. Your input will be valuable in optimising packaging designs for both functionality and production efficiency.

In this role, you will:

  1. Operate and maintain packaging equipment
  2. Set up and adjust packaging lines for different products
  3. Monitor product quality and packaging integrity
  4. Troubleshoot and resolve packaging issues
  5. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene of the packaging area

Generally, this position is an entry level role and often no experience is required. Entry-level qualifications are available for this position, including a Certificate I in Food Processing (FBP1021). In addition, a Certificate II in Food Processing (FBP20122) and a Certificate III in Food Processing (FBP30121) can be completed as a traineeship. Often these certificates are not mandatory for employment, however. If you have an interest in becoming a food and beverage operator, you can apply directly to an employer. Research potential employers in your area via a search engine, social media or job site. Even if there are no jobs advertised with the employer you’re interested in, it can be a good idea to send a cover letter with your resume expressing your interest.

Also Known As:
  • Packaging Line Operator
  • Product Packer
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a packaging technician (food and beverage) include:

  • Attention to detail
  • Efficiency
  • Problem solving
  • Quality control awareness
  • Technical comprehension
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a packaging technician (food and beverage) include:

  • Precision
  • Adaptable
  • Proactive
  • Safety-conscious
  • Team Player
  • Realistic – “Do-er”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Health
  • Science in Practice
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Hospitality Practices
Related Industries

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Packaging Technician (Food and Beverage) can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$50,000
Median
$60,000
High
$80,000

If you are seeking employment in this role, you can undertake a traineeship. Traineeships are available in certificate II and certificate III level qualifications:

  • Certificate II in Food Processing (FBP20122)
  • Certificate III in Food Processing (FBP30121)

A specialisation exists in the certificate III qualification for Bottling and Packaging, which may be advantageous.

As a trainee you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific industry while earning a salary.

Duration: Traineeships typically last between 12 to 24 months, depending on the specific program and whether you are working full-time or part-time.

Work and study combination: As a trainee, you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Eligibility: Generally, traineeships do not require formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

Skills, qualifications, accreditations and licences

As a Packaging Technician (Food and Beverage) you may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

Qualifications that may help you advance in your career include:

  • Certificate IV in Food Processing (FBP40321)

Holding a degree in manufacturing, human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management can be helpful if you are considering taking a step into leadership or a business ownership position.

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Explore the food and beverage industry

The food and beverage industry is a vibrant and diverse area that plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and culture. From iconic brands to artisanal producers, this industry encompasses a wide range of products that cater to domestic and international markets. With a reputation for high-quality, safe, and innovative food products, our manufacturers are at the forefront of meeting changing consumer preferences and global food trends.

Food and Beverage industry