You can do a Level 2 Award in 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
Food packaging operative
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£20,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41 to 43 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts
How to become a food packaging operative
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
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
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, if you have to move finished products to factory storage areas.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your duties might include:
- checking products on the production line for quality
- keeping machines supplied with packaging materials and labels
- reporting machine faults
- adjusting machine settings
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
With experience, you could progress to supervisor or manager.Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Apprentice Raw Materials Inspector
- Wage : £152.25 - £287.35 Weekly
- Location: Eye IP23 7HL
Apprentice Cake Decorator
- Wage : £146.25 Weekly
- Location: Nottingham NG5 9RG
Courses In England
Performing Manufacturing Operations ( Level 2)
- Provider: BLACKBURN COLLEGE
- Start date: 03 September 2020
- Location: BLACKBURN
NVQ Diploma in Performing Manufacturing Operations (Unit Route) Level 1
- Provider: QUEEN ALEXANDRA COLLEGE
- Start date: 01 November 2020
- Location: Birmingham
JobsIn the United Kingdom
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