PRESS RELEASE: RELAUNCHING A PAPERMAKING QUALIFICATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
14 MAY 2026
The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) is pleased to announce the launch of the SIAS Level 2 Certificate Fundamentals of Paper Technology, a qualification for the UK Paper Industry that will train the operators of today and provide greater security for the industry of tomorrow.
Like many UK manufacturing businesses, the Paper sector is facing a challenge with long-serving experts leaving the industry and there is a need to replace this valuable resource.
To address this issue CPI has established an apprenticeship scheme for Papermakers. The comprehensive Level 3 programme brings together core papermaking skills with broader process and manufacturing knowledge, helping to strike the right balance between technical expertise and wider industry understanding.
The Papermaking content is well established but needs to be updated for a developing industry, and a working group was formed to review the entire curriculum across both Level 2 and 3.
The aim of the revised Certificate is to provide learners with a structured introduction to the papermaking industry, including the main raw materials, chemicals and processes used to make paper, and the stages of production and quality control. The qualification develops learners’ knowledge of how operations affect product quality, safety, environmental performance and sustainability, and introduces the key legal, regulatory and health and safety responsibilities associated with working in the sector.
Commenting on this development, Andy Barnetson, CPI’s Executive Director – Competitiveness said:
“We are delighted to be launching this important Papermaking qualification. This approach supports both apprentices and employers by developing practical, future ready capability. This qualification is an important step in securing the training and career opportunities for the future of this important industry.”
Steve Smith, Managing Director at SIAS, commented on the successful collaboration: “SIAS are incredibly proud to have been selected by the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) to develop this new suite of modern, regulated qualifications for the paper industry.
Working closely with the CPI and leading employers across the sector has enabled us to create qualifications that genuinely reflect the skills and knowledge required in today’s modern paper industry, while also providing the consistency, portability, and quality assurance that global employers need.”
ENDS
For further information contact Elisse Hare (ehare@paper.org.uk).
Notes for Editors
Further information can be found at (link to fact sheet).
About CPI
The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) is the leading trade association representing the UK’s Paper-based Industries, comprising paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers, makers of soft tissue papers, and collectors of paper for recycling.
CPI represents an industry with an aggregate annual turnover of £15 billion, with 56,000 direct and a further 59,000 indirect employees.
About SIAS
SIAS is a leading Awarding Organisation for STEM industries, inclusive of future technologies to support net-zero transition.
Ofqual approved, SIAS’s innovative and quality focused approach to awarding, qualifications, accreditation and end-point assessment, is driven by the aim to deliver real value to providers and learners through a disruptive and truly non-transactional, partnership-centred model.
Part of Cogent Skills group and sector specialists, SIAS was established in 2015 by industry, for industry and it retains a deep and trusted connection with STEM employers. A strong social mission to support industry and the future STEM skills agenda, remains central and paramount to the SIAS vision and approach.
Further information for the SIAS Level 2 Certificate Fact Sheet.