Food packaging operative

Food packaging operatives work on production lines to put food and drink products into containers, cans or packets.

Salary range: £12,500 to £20,000

How to become a food packaging operative

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

College

You can do a Level 2 Award in Packaging Technology. This can teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a food and drink process operator intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Direct application

You could apply directly for jobs. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start as a packaging operative, although it may help if you’ve worked on a production line before.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work on your own
• 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
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You might need a forklift licence for some some jobs, if you have to move finished products to factory storage areas.

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your duties might include:

• checking products on the production line for quality
• keeping machines supplied with packaging materials and labels
• reporting machine faults
• adjusting machine settings

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 progress to supervisor or manager.