Which Certifications Are Most Important for a Packaging Operator?

COVID-19 increased the need for qualified workers in warehouse settings. This includes the role of packaging operator, who is an important part of quality control in any warehouse setting. What does a packaging operator do exactly? If you’re considering the field or if you’re currently working as a packaging operator, what are the certifications you’ll need to get hired by the best employers?

What Does a Packaging Operator Do?

Packaging operations make certain the finished product that comes out of a manufacturing process is ready for shipping and sale. These professionals handle the daily operation of machinery used for packaging. They must be good troubleshooters and have great attention to detail to ensure product labeling and packaging is spot-on with every single unit.

Some packaging operators are more hands-on and required to maintain equipment or move products from the manufacturing line to shipping. They are also required to maintain documentation of various production processes to ensure a seamless process.

What Certifications are Importation for a Packaging Operator Job?

Some of the types of certifications that are important if you’re seeking to move into a packaging operator position include:

• The Forklift Safety and Inspector certifications are probably the most common designations necessary for a packaging operator. Forklifts are often used in a manufacturing and warehouse setting so operators need to know how to safely operate this kind of heavy equipment to get their job done well. This certification needs to be re-upped every two years or so to stay OSHA-compliant. Training to receive certification typically offers basic machine troubleshooting and safety checks as well as how to safely operate these dangerous machines.
• The Institute of Packaging Professionals offers IoPP Certification as a Certified Packaging Professional (CPP). Their website says that the CPP designation earns these workers 7-10% higher wages than those that do not have this certification. You must be a current IoPP member and have six years of experience in packaging or a closely related field to even apply for this designation, however.
• If you’re looking to get into the field, IoPP offers an online course called “Fundamentals of Packaging Technology” to teach the ins and outs of the trade. The course has 27-hours of content related to the job, making it a decent baseline for your future job search.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also offers safety certifications to advance your packaging operator career. There are all kinds of certifications and certificates available, including the OSHA Outreach 30-Hour General Industry Course that teaches about common workplace hazards in a manufacturing, warehouse, and construction setting. Depending on your location you may be able to do some of these classes on-site instead of online. Check here to see the locations, classes, and designations available. Depending on your goals, some likely certifications include: certified Occupational Safety Specialist or a Safety, Health & Environmental Professional.

Stellar Staffing helps packaging operators find great jobs in their chosen field. Talk with our team today about how e can help you advance your career.