During the 2012 AIP National Conference at the Marriott Surfers Paradise last week, the APPMA announced the winner of the annual scholarship program which enables one person each year to study for a diploma in Packaging Technology. The APPMA scholarship program has been running for four years.

Mark Dingley, Chairman of the APPMA announced that the 2012 APPMA scholarship winner is Anna Roland, Technical Officer, Betta Foods Australia.

"The APPMA has awarded Anna Roland a scholarship to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology", Mr Dingley said.

"Anna has had the opportunity to work within the food and packaging industries and has completed various projects including assisting in film sealing which was her first exposure to the complexities involved in designing and implementing successful packaging. During the judging it was obvious that she has made a sustained effort and commitment to her studies to date and has gained the support and confidence of her employer and recognition of her professional aspirations."

According to Anna Roland, "Winning the APPMA Scholarship gives me the opportunity to develop my understanding in both the design and practical aspects of packaging which without this help would take a lot longer to save up and begin.

"I am hoping that the learnings from the diploma in Packaging Technology will provide greater support to the production floor and in the development of new products by our marketing and technical teams. In the short term, saving time detecting causes of packaging defects and reducing risk associated with product development and in the long term, laying a foundation of technical knowledge to build on as I contribute to product development and improvement."

"In a few years I hope that I will continue to be learning and challenged every day to use all the skills I have developed, and hopefully see the fruits of my current role in improving GMP, process improvement and implementing new products", she said.

"Please join with the APPMA and the AIP in congratulating Anna Roland on being the 2012 APPMA scholarship winner. Anna will commence her Diploma in Packaging Technology this year and we look forward to seeing her graduate in a few years." Mr Dingley continued.