The PackLead program is built on a three-pillar training model. The first pillar is the PackLead Integrated 6-Credit Training Course, which focuses on packaging materials, processing technologies, and applications, offering students a strong technical foundation. The second pillar consists of workshops on sustainable packaging, policy, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship, broadening participants’ understanding of the environmental, regulatory, and business aspects of packaging. The third pillar is the PackLead Micro-Credential Program, where trainees create short, focused training modules to support rapid knowledge transfer and upskilling for professionals already working in the packaging industry. Pillars 1 and 2, along with participation in the yearly symposium, are mandatory for all undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral trainees, while Pillar 3 and industrial internships are required for all master’s and PhD students (see the participation overview below).
In addition to academic training, the program provides real-world experience through MITACS industrial internships. These placements allow trainees to gain hands-on experience, collaborate with industry mentors, and apply their skills in practical settings, fostering cross-sector collaboration and enhancing career readiness in the fast-evolving packaging industry. PackLead offers competitive financial support for stipends and conference participation.
Trainee Participation Overview:
| Task | Undergraduate | Master’s | PhD | Timeline | Required Participation | |
| Pillar 1: Integrated 6-Credit Training Course | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 1st Year / Term 1 (3 Credits) and Term 2 (3 Credits) | 1 (6 Credits) |
| Pillar 2: Week-long Workshops | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Term 1 and Term 2 | 2 (UG), 4 (Master’s), 6 (PhD), 2 (PDF) |
| Pillar 3: MicroCredential Programs | ✓ | ✓ | 2nd Year (Term 1/ Term 2) | 1 | ||
| Annual Packaging Symposium | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Every Year / March | 1 (UG), 2 (Master’s), 4 (PhD), 1 (PDF) |
| Industrial Internships | ✓ | ✓ | 2nd and 4th Year | 1 (Master’s), 2 (PhD) | ||
| Professional Skills Workshops, Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Workshop, and EDI in Immersive Research Design Workshop | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Any Year | 1 |
| Mentoring Program | ✓ | ✓ | Ongoing | NA | ||
| Conference Attendance (National / International)* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Any Year | No limit | |
| Participation in Industry Associations / Working Groups* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Any Year | Encouraged |
*Not mandatory