Packaging Development Technologist Degree Apprenticeship 2026

About the role

🔥 Love Food? Love Design? Let's Pack It! 📦✨

Are you all about awesome food and killer packaging design? 🤔 Curious how your favourite snacks go from a spark of an idea to landing on supermarket shelves? 🛒 Do you enjoy tackling challenges and making cool ideas a reality? 😎 Want to help shape the future of iconic British brands like Oxo, Bisto, and Mr Kipling? 🤩

Premier Foods is on the hunt for an energetic Packaging Development Technologist Apprentice to join our awesome Packaging Research & Development crew at our Worksop hub. 🚀 You'll be a key player in designing, testing, and launching innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. 🌍

What You'll Dive Into:

• Earn a Level 6 Packaging Development Technologist apprenticeship and a BSc degree in Packaging Technology from Sheffield Hallam University (study blocks). 🎓
• Mix classroom smarts with real-world action in our R&D centre. 💡
• Bring ideas to life! Work with a super-team to turn fresh packaging concepts into launch-ready products. 🚀
• Explore cutting-edge tech and materials that make packaging better, greener, and more valuable. 🌱
• Own packaging projects from start to finish: factory trials, supplier teamwork, print runs, and launching new products! 💪
• Help define project wins and make sure we hit those goals. 🎯
• Join meetings (in-person and online) to chat all things projects and R&D. 🗣️
• See how packaging performs on actual production lines and set the bar for success. 🏭
• Help implement new packaging and improvements across our manufacturing sites.
• Build awesome relationships with teams across the business: tech, quality, marketing, and more! 🤝
• Connect with site ops and engineering to boost packaging knowledge.
• Team up with packaging suppliers to create next-level solutions. 🌟
• Spot ways to boost packaging performance, cut waste, and boost efficiency. ♻️
• Support cost-saving projects and explore bringing production in-house. 💰
• Keep packaging specs and databases up-to-date. 📂
• Check and approve artwork against packaging needs. ✅
• Ensure all packaging rocks legal and international requirements. 💯
• Help with sustainability reports and data capture. 📊
• Get hands-on with packaging materials and machinery. 🛠️
• Share your knowledge and support your teammates. 🤗
• Regularly check in on your progress with your tutor and manager.

What You'll Score:

• Real-world experience on actual product launches. 🚀
• Chances to collaborate across many business areas.
• Hands-on learning in both office and factory vibes. 🏢🏭

We're Looking For Someone Who:

• Has a genuine passion for a career in packaging and the consumer goods world. 🌟
• Achieved at least 96 UCAS points from 3 A-Levels or equivalent BTEC (Science, Maths, Design & Tech preferred). 🤓
• Holds GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths. 📚
• Is computer savvy (Microsoft Office skills are a plus!). 💻
• Loves solving puzzles and has a keen eye for detail. 👀

Ready to Apply?

Click the apply button to learn more and submit your application! P.S. We might close applications early, so don't wait too long! 😉

Key responsibilities

• Work towards completing the Level 6 Packaging Development Technologist apprenticeship and BSc degree in Packaging Technology.
• Support and take ownership of packaging development projects, from initial concept through to launch.
• Research and explore new technologies and materials to improve packaging performance, sustainability, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and build partnerships with packaging suppliers and key stakeholders.
• Maintain packaging specifications and databases, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Skills