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Food packaging operative

Alternative titles for this job include

Food packaging operatives work on production lines to put food and drink products into containers, cans or packets.

Average salary (a year)

£12,500 Starter

to

£22,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 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 a food packaging operative

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Direct Application

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.

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 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 able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You might need a forklift licence for some some jobs, for example to move finished products to factory storage areas.

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

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 supervisor, production line manager or move into quality control work.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Food & Drink Process Operator Level 2 Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £10,000.00 Annually
  • Location:

Food Operative Apprentice

  • Wage: £152.25 - £287.35 Weekly
  • Location: Thetford
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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