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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)

£14,000 Starter

to

£27,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Direct Application

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

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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 movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • 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

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

Working environment

You could work in a factory.

Your working environment may be cold, hot and noisy.

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 job prospects by taking an industry qualification like a diploma in food team leading.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Food and Drink Processing Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £11,648 to £20,820.80 a year Annually
  • Location: 28 Holland Road, Hove

Operations Apprentice

  • Wage: £20,000 a year Annually
  • Location: Slough, Berkshire
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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