Food packaging operative

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You can do a Level 2 Award in Packaging Technology or Sustainable Packaging Technology. This can teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a food and drink process operator intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly for jobs. You don't usually need any qualifications to start as a packaging operative, although it may help if you've worked on a production line before.

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 use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of maths
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• observation and recording skills
• customer service skills
• 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 packaging operatives work on production lines to put food and drink products into containers, cans or packets.

In this role you could:

• pack products into containers
• check products on the production line for quality
• keep machines supplied with packaging materials and labels
• report machine faults
• adjust machine settings
• move goods to storage areas

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

Salary:

Starter : £12,500
Experienced : £22,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a supervisor, production line manager or move into quality control work.