Packaging Engineering Technician (Optional Co-op)

Select start date and campus

Menu
Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Apply now: Canadian applicant

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.
Apply now: international applicants
Close

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Packaging Software Applications
COMP1925

Description: Students will be introduced to the computer software commonly used within the Packaging industry. The capabilities of and applications for programs used by specific industry groups (i.e. ArtiosCAD for the corrugated and paperboard industries) and the broad based industry (i.e. TOPS, Excel, PowerPoint and Sway) will be reviewed.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Principles of Packaging
DSGN1270

Description:

This course looks at packaging systems, materials and forms, and their relationship to the needs and wants of society. It describes the functional characteristics that effective packaging systems must meet.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Corrugated Packaging
IENG2015

Description:

The student will be able to describe the physical properties and attributes of corrugated packaging best suited for the distribution of goods. In addition the student will be able to discern the nature and importance of load unitizing and load stabilization methods, operate computer aided load efficient software related to package and load design and identify the manufacturing requirements of a corrugated container. Standard industry corrugated board characterization tests will be performed.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Mathematics I
MATH1085

Description: This course provides an extensive review and reinforces some of the topics taken by students in high school. Its purpose is to ensure that the student has a fluent background in algebra and trigonometry in order to succeed in subsequent work in engineering technology. The material covered includes fundamental arithmetic and algebraic operations, geometry, trigonometry, vectors, and the solution of systems of linear equations by algebraic methods. This course helps students to develop essential employability skills by using examples and problems relating to the engineering technology field.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Physics I - Mechanics
PHYS1210

Description: This course will give students a basic understanding of mechanics. Topics covered will include kinematics, dynamics, work, energy, power and fluids. The course includes laboratory exercises to enhance understanding of the lecture material.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Co-op and Career Preparation
CEPR1020

Description: This series of modules will prepare students for job searching for their co-op work terms with the guidance of a Coop Advisor. Students will familiarize themselves with the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace regarding social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while developing an awareness of self-reflective practices. Students will reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and examine available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of these modules is a requirement for co-op eligibility.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Chemistry for Packaging
CHEM1140

Description: This course first presents selected topics in atomic structure, periodic table, ionic and molecular compounds, states of matter, chemistry of water and air, characteristics of solutions, chemical reactions, ideal gas law, and quantitative relationships. The second part of the course covers the fundamentals of organic chemistry, including structure, nomenclature, properties, and important reactions of organic compounds, with functional groups also explained. The last part of the course introduces students to important aspects of polymers, including their classification, synthesis, properties, and applications. The course also includes a lab component, where the students carry out experiments to demonstrate the chemistry principles learned.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Artios CAD Concepts
DSGN1280

Description:

The student will become familiar with ArtiosCAD Software in order to generate packaging drawings. The student will be able to design corrugated and paperboard containers to industry standard designs employing CAD software.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Packaging Testing Lab 1
IENG2030

Description:

Students will conduct laboratory experiments to determine properties of packaging materials and evaluate the response of packages and products to shock, vibrations, and compression. Students operate standard testing equipment and become familiar with industry recognized test methods and standards. These activities support the student’s ability to develop laboratory methodologies that effectively evaluate a package and/or packaged product.

  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Mathematics II
MATH1195

Description: This course is a continuation of the Mathematics I and is oriented towards the direct application of mathematical techniques to mechanical fundamentals. It covers exponential and logarithmic equations; problems involving ratio, proportion and variation, and plane analytic geometry.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: MATH1085
  • CoRequisites:

Physics II
PHYS1120

Description: As a continuation of Physics I, this course will examine more topics in physics. Topics will include current electricity, wave motion, optics, thermodynamics and mechanics in two dimensions. Understanding of the lecture material is enhanced through laboratory exercise.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Co-op Work Term (Packaging Engineering Technician)
COOP1160

Description: This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic training to develop a broad base of vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, cultivate their problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, encourage their development of professional autonomy and collaboration, and enhance their capacity to analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.
  • Hours: 420
  • Credits: 14
  • Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 OR CEPR1020
  • CoRequisites:

Level 4

Course details

Rigid Container Design
DSGN2260

Description:

The student will be able to determine particular characteristics of the various rigid packaging forms used in packaging design. The benefits and applications of each rigid packaging medium will be discussed. For the purposes of this course, glass, metal and semi-rigid plastic containers will be discussed.

  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: DSGN1270
  • CoRequisites:

3D Artios CAD
DSGN2270

Description: This course continues to explore the use of the ArtiosCAD software using more advanced modeling of designed materials.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: DSGN1280
  • CoRequisites:

Flexible Packaging Design
DSGN2280

Description:

The student will learn the manufacturing techniques used in the creation and design of laminate structures that satisfy product preservation and safety needs. Numerous current or potential laminate structures, particularly as they relate to food packaging, will be evaluated to determine how they best work to protect the product. The student will also conduct industry standard film characterization tests.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: CHEM1140
  • CoRequisites:

Paperboard Packaging
IENG2000

Description:

The student will be able to describe the physical properties and attributes of paperboard best suited for the protection and distribution of goods. The student will operate computer aided design software and conduct standard industry paper board characterization tests.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: DSGN1270
  • CoRequisites:

Protective Packaging
IENG2040

Description:

The student will develop skills to analyze and evaluate the hazards encountered in the distribution environment. Concepts related to motion, mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, energy transformation, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems will be discussed.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: DSGN1270 AND MATH1190 OR MATH1195 AND PHYS1120 OR PHYS1125
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 5

Course details

Technical Communications
COMM1130

Description:

In this course, students will learn professional writing and presentation skills required for effective technical communication in the workplace. They will learn to write technical documents by applying standard technical writing style and analyzing their forms and uses for target audiences, purposes, and contexts. They will also learn to write formal technical proposals or reports using research and documentation skills.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: COMM1085
  • CoRequisites:

New Product Development - Packaging
DSGN2400

Description: Students will conduct experimental investigation and evaluation of many kinds of packaging containers such as: glass, plastic, metal, corrugated, and closures. Students will be able to develop a package including material selection, design and implementation of package systems for protection, distribution, merchandising, use and disposal. The course will cover testing methods, development of quality control methodology, legislative influences on packaging technology, and the role of packaging in marketing. Students will develop consumer packaging utilizing current technology tools, integration of packaging structure, graphics, and performance, from concept to finished product throughout the value chain.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: DSGN2270 AND IENG2030 AND IENG2040
  • CoRequisites:

Technical Project I
DSGN2410

Description: Students will be exposed to a typical project undertaken in industry. This self-directed technical project may be solving a design problem, designing a new product or other special topics as mutually agreed to by the student and the professor. Students will demonstrate their design, problem-solving, written and oral communication skills via a comprehensive final report and project presentation.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: DSGN2270 AND IENG2030 AND IENG2040
  • CoRequisites:

Packaging Specifications
IENG1100

Description: In this course, students will examine and analyze specification documentation requirements, performance factors, and tolerance levels. Students will study and utilize sets of documents detailing the exact dimensional, aesthetic, and functional requirements of each component in a packaging system. Students will utilize this knowledge to follow the principles of well-written specifications.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Packaging Business Costing
IENG2020

Description:

In this course, students will apply basic mathematics to understand the cost structure of manufacturing packaging materials. Students will be able to determine the cost of various packaging materials as well as to demonstrate an understanding of how the cost of labour is calculated. Students will learn to apply mark-ups and mark downs with relevance to the industry. The student will construct a bill of materials for a complete packaging project and demonstrate how to calculate total cost of packaging materials and the cost of labour to provide a final price to the customer.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: MATH1195
  • CoRequisites:

Packaging Regulations
IENG2050

Description:

Major packaging laws such as the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act and the Food and Drug Act will be examined, particularly as they impact on package design.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:
Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

  1. Analyze and solve technical problems in packaging manufacturing through engineering principles
  2. Design and evaluate the characteristics, attributes, manufacturing processes, systems and technologies associated with packaging materials and current packaging equipment through the application of engineering principles and practices
  3. Develop solutions using appropriate technical packaging software to address packaging problems
  4. Apply testing techniques to different packaging materials and systems to verify compliance with specifications, regulations, and industry expectations for the packaging development process
  5. Analyze protective packaging systems to minimize hazards encountered in product distribution
  6. Recommend material and process improvements through the examination of packaging design and cost structure
  7. Use effective communication techniques, through written and oral methods, to convey technical information to diverse audiences
  8. Use knowledge of legal requirements, sustainability expectations and ethical practices in the packaging industry to inform the business decision process
  9. Consider the environmental impact of packaging products through the full life-cycle of the packaging materials and processes to influence business decisions.