August 30, 2024
Discover the updated and improved Packaging University available to all members online – for free
AICC has been offering free online education to members since 2017. We have been constantly adding new courses and working on making them more easily accessible. Now, Packaging University has gone through a major overhaul to reorganize the courses and make it easier for members to find the education they need.
Packaging University is shown as colleges for different departments. Each college includes core courses important for everyone in a box plant as well as specific courses for that department.
This article explains the key learning objectives of each college. The new Packaging University will launch September 10, 2024. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org/PackU and take the courses.
College of Finance
This course of study focuses on the general best practices for individuals working in the accounting department of a packaging industry company. It does not replace professional certification or matters of local compliance.
Introduction to Corrugated Packaging: Learn the history, uses, manufacturing processes, market trends, and innovations in corrugated packaging.
Introduction to Corrugated Packaging Accounting: Gain an overview of the industry, the accountant’s role, and basic accounting principles.
Cost Accounting: Understand production cost structures, calculate the cost of goods sold, and pricing, manage inventory, and use accounting software.
Financial Management: Explore financial planning, budgeting, financial statements, key performance indicators (KPIs), performance analysis, and corporate financial decision-making.
Taxation: Learn an overview of relevant tax laws, corporate tax planning, sales and use tax management, and international tax considerations.
Industry Regulations and Compliance: Understand industry standards, environmental compliance, labor laws, and import and export regulations.
Career Development and Professionalism: Explore professional ethics, career advancement, continuing education, networking, and professional associations.
College of Leadership
This course of study focuses on the development of skills for leading people and managing processes. It is intended to provide the generic knowledge needed regardless of departmental assignment. It would be advisable to also complete the course of study applicable to one’s assigned department.
Performance Measurement and Management: Learn how to maximize process efficiency, establish standard work procedures, explore enterprise resource planning solutions and other sources of packaging industry data, and develop a basic understanding of financial documents required for budgeting and profitability. Leaders are also encouraged to complete applicable courses in the College of Process Improvement.
Leading People: Develop skills in peer leadership, accountability management, effective delegation, and team effectiveness. Enhance communication for coaching employees and for general business purposes, provide motivational feedback, apply situational leadership, conduct productive meetings, and create employee development plans.
Personal Development: Improve emotional intelligence for career growth and master time-management techniques.
College of Production
This college focuses on the process knowledge required to excel in corrugated manufacturing. It covers essential process knowledge, measurement techniques, problem-solving skills, and safety procedures for manufacturing workers in the corrugated packaging industry. Because the majority of AICC’s general members are engaged in flexographic print technology, the number of courses that focus on that technology is high. Courses on corrugated sheet production as well as other print technologies are included in the catalog.
Process Knowledge: Learn the fundamentals of corrugated packaging, flexographic printing, board combinations, ink management, and understanding warp.
Process Measurement: Learn packaging production math, including the use of tape measures and other physical measures for quality control.
Problem-Solving: Develop skills in data-driven decision-making, using KPIs and maximizing equipment effectiveness, team efficiency, and crew-involved maintenance.
Workplace Safety: Gain knowledge of lockout/tagout procedures and workplace safety regulations.
College of Customer Service
This college equips customer service representatives with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide excellent customer support, handle technical systems efficiently, and contribute to the company’s sales efforts.
Product and Service Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the company’s products and services to effectively assist customers.
Communication Skills: Develop active listening skills, use positive language, and learn to clearly explain solutions to enhance customer interactions.
Customer Service Skills: Learn to handle complaints, de-escalate difficult situations, and resolve issues professionally and empathetically.
Technology and Systems: Get trained on using the company’s customer service systems, including customer relationship management and phone systems, for efficient service delivery.
Company Policies and Procedures: Understand company policies, including privacy, data protection, and security protocols.
Sales and Upselling Techniques: Learn professional and nonintrusive techniques for upselling products and services to customers.
College of Design
This college equips students with the knowledge and skills to excel in the design and production of corrugated packaging, focusing on materials, manufacturing, structural integrity, design aesthetics, and market insights. It does not include training in computer-aided design software.
Materials and Manufacturing Processes
- Raw Materials: Overview of materials used in corrugated packaging.
- Printing Techniques: Overview of various printing methods.
- Lamination and Die Cutting: Insights into these essential processes.
- Manufacturing Equipment: Overview of machinery used in production.
Structural Design
- Design Fundamentals: Basics of structural design for packaging.
- Strength and Durability: Techniques for designing robust packaging.
- Load Capacity and Shipping: Requirements for load capacity and shipping.
Packaging Design
- Design Principles: Introduction to core packaging design principles.
- Color Theory and Typography: Basics of color theory and typography in design.
- Sustainability and Recyclability: Ways to design for environmental sustainability.
- Product Presentation: Techniques for creating effective product presentations through design.
Customer and Market Insights
- Research Methods: Techniques for understanding customer and market needs.
- Customer Feedback and Trends: Ways to analyze feedback and market trends.
- Competitive Landscape: Understanding of the competition in corrugated packaging.
- Customer Service: Emphasis on the importance of customer service.
- Customer Inquiries: Techniques for responding effectively to customer inquiries and concerns.
Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Safety Regulations: Understanding of workplace safety regulations.
- Hazardous Materials: Basics of the proper handling of hazardous materials.
- Safety Programs: Ways to implement effective workplace safety programs.
College of Maintenance
This college is intended to equip students with essential knowledge for skill development in maintenance processes, understanding packaging machinery, problem-solving, and safety, ensuring they are prepared for a successful career in maintenance management.
Maintenance Processes: Learn to implement routine scheduled maintenance, assess facilities from a maintenance perspective, and optimize preventative maintenance. Gain knowledge of best practices, including lean methodology, and involvement of operators in maintenance activities.
Packaging Machinery: Understand corrugated packaging equipment, standards, and materials. Optimize manufacturing equipment and explore innovations and advancements in corrugated packaging machinery. Learn how to audit corrugator equipment and develop preventative measures to minimize downtime.
Problem-Solving: Develop problem-solving skills by gathering data, communicating and collaborating with crews for maximum productivity.
Safety: Gain critical knowledge in safety procedures, including learning lockout/tagout processes, handling hazardous materials, and obtaining enclosed space permits.
College of Process Improvement
This college covers essential topics to enhance quality and efficiency. It provides a knowledge base to develop the skills necessary to manage quality, improve processes, ensure customer satisfaction, and prepare students for a successful career in process improvement and quality management.
Quality Basics: Learn the foundational principles of quality management.
Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction
- Customer Satisfaction: Understanding of the importance of customer satisfaction and how to achieve it.
- Quality Management Programs: Overview of effective quality management programs.
- Customer Feedback: Ways to respond to customer feedback and suggestions.
Inspection and Testing Techniques
- Inspection Methods: Understanding of various inspection and testing methods and techniques.
- Inspection Programs: Overview of effective inspection and testing programs.
- Results Management: Ways to manage inspection and testing results and records efficiently.
College of Human Resources
The College of Human Resources (HR)curriculum provides exposure to best practices in key areas of HR management. This curriculum equips students with the knowledge to develop skills necessary to manage HR compliance, employee benefits, HR operations, and talent acquisition effectively. The college does not provide specific direction on matters of local compliance, and it does not replace HR certification achieved through completion of coursework with organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management.
Compliance and Legal Issues
- Employment Laws: Overview of federal and state employment laws.
- Compliance Programs: Ways to implement compliance programs and procedures.
- Employee Complaints: Techniques for responding to employee complaints and disputes.
Employee Benefits and Compensation
- Benefit Programs: Understanding of employee benefit programs and options.
- Compensation Programs: Ways to develop and implement effective compensation programs.
- Benefits and Payroll: Approaches to managing employee benefits and payroll operations.
Human Resources Management and Operations
- HR Systems: Overview of human resources management systems.
- Employee Relations: Understanding of employee relations and engagement.
- HR Policies: Ways to implement effective HR policies and procedures.
Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
- Talent Acquisition Strategies: Overview of strategies for talent acquisition.
- Recruitment Programs: Insights into effective recruitment programs.
- Sourcing and Screening: Techniques for sourcing and screening job candidates.
College of Sales
The College of Sales curriculum equips students with essential knowledge in corrugated packaging sales, including packaging solutions, market insights, and negotiation techniques, preparing students for successful careers in sales within the corrugated packaging industry.
