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Food factory worker

Alternative titles for this job include Food process operative, food processing worker

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

Average salary (a year)

£21,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Food factory worker

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply to do a Food and Drink Process Operator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a food production company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Direct Application

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

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

Further information

You can find out more about working in food production from Tasty careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • observation and recording skills
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a food factory worker, you'll typically work on a production line following strict food safety and quality standards.

You could:

  • move raw materials from storage to production areas
  • complete equipment start up checks on your section
  • control machinery that processes food
  • add the right amount of ingredients to blenders and mixers
  • monitor instruments like temperature gauges
  • carry out quality checks
  • report problems with equipment to line supervisors
  • clean machines ready for the next production run

Working environment

You could work in a factory.

Your working environment may be hot, noisy and cool.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Pilot Plant & Kitchen Assistant

  • Wage: £12,313.60 a year Annually
  • Location: Leeming Bar, Northallerton, North Yorkshire

Food & Drink Process Operator Level 2 Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £9,152 a year Annually
  • Location: Precision 4 Business Park, Styles Close,, Sittingbourne, Kent
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Certificate in Food Industry Skills

  • Provider: REASEHEATH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2025
  • Location: NANTWICH

Preparing for the Food Industry - Entry Level Entry Level Vocational

  • Provider: BLACKBURN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 August 2025
  • Location: BLACKBURN
Find courses near you

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