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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)

£12,000 Starter

to

£20,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become a food factory worker

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

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 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
  • being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • controlling machinery that processes food
  • making sure there's a constant supply of ingredients
  • checking instruments like temperature gauges
  • reporting problems with equipment
  • keeping machines clean

Working environment

You could work in a factory.

Your working environment may be cool, noisy and hot.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

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.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Food Process Operator

  • Wage : £230.63 Weekly
  • Location: Nottingham NG9 1PF

Food Processing Apprenticeship

  • Wage : £157.69 - £297.61 Weekly
  • Location: NG9 1PF
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Food Industry Skills (Bakery) - Level 1

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 03 September 2019
  • Location: Blackpool

Level 1 Certificate in Food Industry Skills

  • Provider: Tameside College
  • Start date: 04 September 2019
  • Location: Ashton-Under-Lyne
Find courses near you

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