Food factory worker
Food factory workers make frozen, tinned, baked and dried products.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a food factory worker, you'll typically work on a production line following strict food safety and quality standards.
You could:
- move raw materials from storage to production areas
- complete equipment start up checks on your section
- control machinery that processes food
- add the right amount of ingredients to blenders and mixers
- monitor instruments like temperature gauges
- carry out quality checks
- report problems with equipment to line supervisors
- clean machines ready for the next production run
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 become a shift supervisor or move into quality control.
You could improve your career prospects by taking an industry qualification like a certificate in food team leading.
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 operate and control equipment
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to work well with your hands
- observation and recording skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
You may be able to apply to do a Food and Drink Process Operator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship with a food production company.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
You can apply directly for jobs. You'll have an advantage if you've got:
- experience on a production line, especially one making food products
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
You can find out more about working in food production from Tasty careers.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.