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Food packaging operative

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£21,000 Starter

to

£29,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 45 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 packaging operative

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.

This takes around one year to complete.

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 may not need any qualifications to start as a packaging operative, although it can help if you've worked on a production line before.

Knowledge of food safety can also be useful but employers will normally offer full training for the right candidates.

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 work well with others
  • concentration skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • 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 forklift truck training for some some jobs, for example, for moving finished products to a factory warehouse.

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 packaging operative, you would:

  • pack products into boxes, packets and containers
  • carry out routine quality checks
  • keep machines supplied with packaging materials and labels
  • adjust machine settings
  • report production line faults to supervisors
  • move packaged goods to storage areas and stack them safely

Working environment

You could work in a factory.

Your working environment may be noisy and hot.

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:

  • production line leader
  • shift supervisor or section manager
  • quality control assistant

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

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