Food Packaging Operative

Typical Salary

£12,500 To £20,000

Typical Hours

41 to 43 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Food Packaging Operative

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

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.

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

Apprenticeship

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

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

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.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

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

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 & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.

Restrictions & Requirements

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