Food factory worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an intermediate or advanced food and drink process operator apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll have an advantage if you've got:

• experience of working on a production line, especially with food
• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
• to be flexible and open to change
• observation and recording skills
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• customer service skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• leadership skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to read English

What you'll do:

Food factory workers make frozen, tinned, baked and dried products.

You'll typically work on a production line following strict food safety and quality standards. You could:

• control machinery that processes food
• make sure there's a constant supply of ingredients
• check instruments like temperature gauges
• report problems with equipment
• keep machines clean

Location : You could work in a factory.
Environment : Your working environment may be cold, hot and noisy.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £14,000
Experienced : £27,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a shift supervisor or move into quality control.

You could improve your job prospects by taking an industry qualification like a diploma in food team leading.