Archive Website of the UK government

Is the food and drink manufacturing industry for you?

The pressures for new ideas and healthy products will ensure that there are good jobs for people of all ages for years to come. The food and drink manufacturing industry could be for you.

Here are some positive comments from real people currently working within the food and drink manufacturing industry:

Ellen Macdonald, Baker

"I’m training to be a supervisor and soon I hope to be in charge of a team of bakers. We’re a hands-on practical team."

Jonathan Pearson, Deputy Team Leader and Apprentice of the Year

"Working hard and getting qualifications has changed everything. Now I want to be a manager within five years."

Food and drink manufacturing: the facts

People often have fixed ideas about different jobs. But it’s always important to get the facts. Here are some common misconceptions answered by the real facts:

• "The food and drink industry is full of dead-end jobs" - you can certainly start out with a simple role, but you can move up the ladder if you choose
• "The jobs are all badly paid" - you might start on National Minimum Wage, but experience and training make all the difference - work your way up and you can earn a high salary
• "Manufacturing in the UK is dying" - times might be tough but we all need food and drink - the race for better healthier products is also keeping the food industry active

Advantages of working in the food and drink manufacturing industry

There are many advantages to working in the food and drink manufacturing industry including:

• you can build a great career - there are many opportunities to train and progress
• a growing sector - there are jobs for people of all ages
• excellent opportunities - the pressure for new ideas and healthy products will keep the industry very busy for years to come

Real-life examples

David Brealey, Chocolate Maker

"You can start in this job with a degree, but I think working my way up and training on the job was right for me. I got practical experience and learned technical stuff at the same time. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s worth it! My current salary is £26,000."

Sheela Kennedy, Production Planner

"Lots of women think the food and drink industry is for men only, but that’s not true. There are interesting jobs for everybody. Whoever you are, I suggest you go and find out more about your options. I’m quite new to the job and I earn about £16,000."

Careers advice and job profiles

Find more information about specific job roles within the food and drink manufacturing industry by using the careers advice and job profiles link below:

• Careers advice and job profiles Opens new window

Find a job in this sector

Find out more about training and careers in the food and drink manufacturing industry by visiting the websites below:

• Careers in food and drink Opens new window

• The Recruitment and Employment Confederation Opens new window

To search for jobs available in this sector, use the 'Start a jobs and skills search' link below. You can also talk to a Jobcentre Plus adviser by calling 0845 606 0234.

They can tell you what help and support is available to you to help you into work.

• Start a jobs and skills search Opens new window

• Help and advice when applying for a job

• Contact Jobcentre Plus