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Production worker (manufacturing)

Alternative titles for this job include Process operative, factory worker

Production workers manufacture goods and parts in industries like pharmaceuticals, food and drink, battery technology and engineering.

Average salary (a year)

£22,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 48 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 Production worker (manufacturing)

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship. 

Examples include:

  • Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Food and Drink Process Operator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Battery Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These typically take from 1 to 3 years to complete, and are a mix of learning on the job and off-site study.

There are many other apprenticeships available, covering specific manufacturing industries, such as automotive, chemicals and engineering.

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 could apply for production jobs directly. Some employers may look for GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent qualifications. Experience of production line work would be useful.

You may have to take a test at interview to assess your practical skills.

More Information

Career tips

Forklift truck training could be useful for some jobs.

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
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • observation and recording skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • 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

As a production worker, your could:

  • measure, grade and feed raw materials into production machinery
  • operate equipment like factory conveyor lines
  • assemble goods on a production line
  • report equipment faults to maintenance staff
  • monitor production and carry out basic testing and quality checks
  • store goods and raw materials, using lifting equipment
  • clean and maintain work areas and machinery

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in a warehouse.

Your working environment may be 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, line manager or move into quality control.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Hose Assembly Technician

  • Wage: £13,312 a year Annually
  • Location: Farthing Road Industrial Estate, Ipswich, Suffolk

Apprentice Print Operative - 14512

  • Wage: £12,675 a year Annually
  • Location: ENTERPRISE WAY, WHITEWALLS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, COLNE
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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