Packaging

Nationally recognised training for the technicians who install and maintain the milking, water, and effluent systems New Zealand's dairy industry depends on.

Available qualifications

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Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications — tailored to your business's specific needs.

5,672
Apprentices trained
Level 4
National qualification

The packaging programmes provide nationally recognised qualifications that combine practical workplace training with technical knowledge.They equip people with the skills to work in various roles in the fibreboard packaging  sector, including production support, machine operation, assistant operator roles, and converting/carton/fibreboard operations. Training covers machine setup and operation, trade knowledge such as workflow and warehousing, quality control, maintenance, safety practices, and environmental awareness, ensuring that employees are able to meet customer, production, and industry requirements. The Level 2 and Level 3 programmes can be done indepentantly or as one apprenticeship.

Benefits of these programmes

  • Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
  • A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
  • Coverage of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility
  • Build skills in machine operation, quality practices, maintenance, trade calculations, workflow and warehousing
  • Ability to support production, meet customer requirements, and adapt to new processes or technology
  • Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

How we work with you

We partner with members of your industry to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential learners, and encouraging work placements.

We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like conferences, and regularly celebrate your learners’ success.

When apprentices enrol, we assign them a Competenz account manager. Our account managers understand the industry and the skills learners and businesses need to gain.

Employers Hub

Sign up a new apprentice

Use this form to register with Competenz. We’ll get you started and ensure everything is set up smoothly.

Get started →
Onboarding guides

Get a clear picture of how apprenticeships work and the part everyone plays — your responsibilities, the importance of a workplace mentor, and how to help your apprentice succeed.

Onboarding guides →
See your business impact

View the approximate cost of an apprenticeship and how the benefits build as your apprentice develops. The lasting value of investing in your workforce.

ROI Calculator →

The dairy industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled technicians. Training your own people is the most reliable way to build capability that actually stays.

Competenz Training Advisor — Dairy Systems, Waikato region

You run the operation. We handle the training architecture.

What do they do?

Packaging machine operators use specialist machines to create attractive, protective paperboard packaging for things like food, beauty products, household appliances and beverages. They also check that packaging meets specificatio

A typical day

Typically, an eight-hour day. Packaging machine operators plan, set up and run machines to make ready, cut and crease substrates, glue and fold elements to meet specific quality standards.

Sounds like you?

If you’re practical, curious about how things work, and comfortable in both workshops and outdoors — this is worth reading.

Study areas that help

  • Sciences or Workshop Technology
  • Creative Arts (Visual/Textiles/ Graphics)
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.

Helpful experience

  • Analysing, researching or problem solving
  • Making or fixing things
  • Working with machinery
  • Working with computers.

Work environments

  • Inside (workshop or plant)
  • One place every day.

Good to have

Problem-solving mindset

  • Strong eye for detail
  • Good literacy and numeracy
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology
  • Good initiative/‘can do’ attitude.

Career pathway

The apprenticeship is the foundation — not the ceiling.

School

Getting ready

No minimum entry requirement

Entry level

Traineeship or apprenticeship

  • Fibreboard Manufacturer
  • Forme Die Maker
  • Die Cutter
  • Glue Operator.

Advancing

Higher learning

  • Team Leader
  • Production Planner.

Senior

Higher learning

  • Business Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Business Owner.

Common questions

How do I set up my account for Competenz Central?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I’m an international student - can I do an apprenticeship or traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need a visa or work permit?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How old do I need to be?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How long is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

How much does an apprenticeship/traineeship cost?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

I have a job, what do I do next?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Do I need to be employed to be an apprentice/trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What experience do I need to do an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

What is an apprenticeship/traineeship?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be a trainee?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Can I be an apprentice?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Who is Competenz?

For apprenticeships, the government contributes to training costs — you pay wages. The exact figure depends on your situation. Use the ROI Calculator for a personalised estimate.

Packaging

The packaging programmes provide nationally recognised qualifications that combine practical workplace training with technical knowledge.They equip people with the skills to work in various roles in the fibreboard packaging  sector, including production support, machine operation, assistant operator roles, and converting/carton/fibreboard operations. Training covers machine setup and operation, trade knowledge such as workflow and warehousing, quality control, maintenance, safety practices, and environmental awareness, ensuring that employees are able to meet customer, production, and industry requirements. The Level 2 and Level 3 programmes can be done indepentantly or as one apprenticeship.

Benefits of these programmes

  • Nationally recognised qualifications built to industry standards
  • A blend of practical training and technical knowledge
  • Coverage of safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility
  • Build skills in machine operation, quality practices, maintenance, trade calculations, workflow and warehousing
  • Ability to support production, meet customer requirements, and adapt to new processes or technology
  • Designed to meet the ongoing needs of a modern, high-demand industry.

Competenz can provide training plans, support and qualifications – tailored to your businesses specific needs.

We partner with your industry association PrintNZ and members of your industry to help recruit and build talented employees. This support includes promoting careers in your industry, identifying potential apprentices, and encouraging work placements.

We also ensure your industry’s qualifications continue to meet needs, support industry events like the annual PrintNZ conference and celebrate your learners’ success, including as a joint venture partner in the annual Print Industry Apprentice of the Year Awards.

Competenz has different training options to suit the needs of your staff and the equipment in your workplace.

These include completing an apprenticeship, a shorter training programme or just one or two modules. The length of time it takes to complete the training will vary depending on which option is chosen.

The general skills involved in the apprenticeship programme include:

  • Safety
  • Trade knowledge including machine design, colour terms, workflow and warehousing
  • Maintenance
  • Trade calculations
  • Business and quality principles
  • Quality practices and environment

Employers Hub

Sign up a new apprentice
Use this form to register with Competenz. We'll use this form to get you started and ensure everything is set up smoothly.
Onboarding guides
Get a clear picture of how apprenticeships work and the part everyone plays. These guides explain your responsibilities, the importance of a workplace mentor, and how you can help your apprentice succeed.
See your business impact
Use this calculator to view the approximate cost of an apprenticeship and how the benefits build as your apprentice develops. It’s designed to show the lasting value of investing in your workforce.

Ready to get started?

What do they do?

Packaging machine operators use specialist machines to create attractive, protective paperboard packaging for things like food, beauty products, household appliances and beverages. They also check that packaging meets specificatio

A typical day

Typically, an eight-hour day. Packaging machine operators plan, set up and run machines to make ready, cut and crease substrates, glue and fold elements to meet specific quality standards.

Sounds like you?

Study areas
  • Sciences or Workshop Technology
  • Creative Arts (Visual/Textiles/ Graphics)
  • Computing/ICT/Information Management.
Attributes
  • Strong eye for detail
  • Good literacy and numeracy
  • Confidence with IT, computers, technology
  • Good initiative/‘can do’ attitude.
Helpful experience
  • Analysing, researching or problem solving
  • Making or fixing things
  • Working with machinery
  • Working with computers.
Preferred work environments
  • Inside (workshop or plant)
  • One place every day.

Pathway

School

No minimum entry requirement

Entry level jobs

Traineeship or apprenticeship

  • Fibreboard Manufacturer
  • Forme Die Maker
  • Die Cutter
  • Glue Operator.
Advancing jobs

Higher learning

  • Team Leader
  • Production Planner.
Senior jobs

Higher learning

  • Business Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Business Owner.

FAQs

Related FAQs

Ready to get Started?