Production worker (manufacturing) Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a production worker, your duties could include:

• measuring, grading and feeding batches of raw materials into production machinery
• operating production line equipment, for example a conveyor line in a canning factory
• assembling goods on a production line, for instance fitting circuit boards into computers
• reporting equipment faults to maintenance staff
• finishing products, for example applying protective coatings
• monitoring the production process and carrying out basic testing and quality checks
• storing goods and raw materials in the factory or warehouse
• using lifting equipment and forklift trucks
• packing goods ready for shipment in crates or other containers
• cleaning and maintaining work areas and machinery.

You would usually work as part of a team under the supervision of a shift leader, carrying out several tasks within the same shift, or within the working week.

Hours

You could work full-time or part-time, covering a variety of shifts, including days, nights and weekends. Overtime is often available.

Most of your work would take place in a factory on a production line. You may spend a lot of your time standing while operating machinery, or sitting at a workbench or assembly line. You would normally wear protective clothing, such as overalls and safety shoes.

Income

• Starting salaries are between £11,000 and £14,500 a year
• Experienced staff and those with supervisory duties can earn between £15,000 and £20,000 a year

There may be extra payments for unsocial shifts, overtime and productivity bonuses.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You may not need any qualifications to become a production worker, although some GCSEs, including English and maths may give you an advantage when looking for work. Some employers may put you through a selection process, involving assessments to test your practical skills.

You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

For more details about jobs and careers in manufacturing, see the websites for Cogent, Improve and Proskills (in More Information section below).

Training and development

Your employer would normally give you induction training on the manufacturing process and health and safety. After your induction, you would move on to the production line, working alongside a supervisor or trainer.

Depending on your role, you may be encouraged to work towards one of the following NVQ qualifications:

• Performing Manufacturing Operations levels 1 and 2
• Food Manufacture levels 1, 2 and 3
• Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Petrochemical Manufacture levels 1 to 4.

You can find more details about relevant work-based qualifications on the websites for Cogent, Improve and Proskills.

Skills and knowledge

To be a production worker you will need to have:

• good practical skills
• the ability to work quickly and methodically
• good teamworking skills
• the ability to concentrate while doing repetitive tasks
• the ability to follow instructions
• an awareness of health and safety
• a willingness to work flexibly.

More information

Proskills UK
www.proskills.co.uk

Improve Ltd
Providence House
2 Innovation Close
York
YO10 5ZF
Tel: 0845 644 0448
http://www.improve-skills.co.uk
www.improveltd.co.uk

Cogent
Unit 5, Mandarin Court
Centre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200
www.cogent-ssc.com

Opportunities

You can find jobs in all areas of manufacturing. Vacancies are advertised in Jobcentre Plus, recruitment agencies and the local press.

Many industries are shifting to automated processes, higher value products and niche markets, for example organic food production and processing. With technical skills, you are likely have an advantage when looking for work.

With experience, you could be promoted to shift supervisor or move into quality control.