Job type

Food factory worker

£14k - £27k

Typical salary

42 – 44

Hours per week

Food factory workers make frozen, tinned, baked and dried products.

More info

  • Operate machinery, pack food items, and keep machines clean
  • Practical, repetitive work requiring attention to detail
  • Progress into supervisory or management roles

As a food factory worker, you'll be responsible for manufacturing all kinds of products for consumption.

DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES

  • 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

DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT

You'll work to high standards of hygiene, following health and safety guidelines.

You'll work on a production line, operating machinery. The temperature in the factory will depend on the food you're making, and you may need to wear protective clothing.

You'll need

For this role, you'll need thoroughness and attention to detail, patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, the ability to work on your own as well as with others, 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, and physical skills.

There are no set requirements, so you can directly apply. You'll have an advantage if you have experience of working on a production line (especially with food), and GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths.

You could also get into this job through an apprenticeship such as a food and drink process operator apprenticeship.

CAREER PROSPECTS

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.