Food processing workers are involved in the production and packing of a wide variety of food products, such as:

• frozen
• canned
• baked
• dried
• pasteurised.

Most food is made in large factories and is processed by machine. Jobs in the industry usually involve checking and controlling equipment rather than handling food or ingredients.

Many food processing workers are part of a fast moving production line. This involves food passing along conveyor belts, through stages such as mixing, cooking and packing. Workers make sure that supplies are constant, adjusting the speed of the conveyor belt if necessary. They check instruments, such as temperature gauges, at regular intervals and keep machines clean at all times.

If any problems occur, the process worker can stop the machine and report the fault to a supervisor or engineer.

Hours and Environment

Food processing workers often work 37 to 40 hours a week over five days. Some factories operate a shift system involving evening, night and weekend shifts. Overtime is frequently available.

Most work takes place standing at a production line in a factory; some lifting and bending may be involved. The temperature in a factory can vary widely depending on the type of food being processed.

High standards of hygiene must be observed, and workers must wear a hat or hairnet and clean protective clothing.

Skills and Interests

To be a food processing worker you should:

• be able to follow written instructions and keep accurate records
• have a good understanding of the principles of health and safety and of basic hygiene rules
• have good powers of concentration and observation
• be able to pay attention to detail, even when tasks are repetitive
• be able to act quickly when there is a problem
• have the ability to work as part of a team and follow procedures.

Entry

You do not need any formal qualifications to work as a food processing worker.

It may be possible to enter this industry through an apprenticeship scheme (see Training section for details).

Some GCSE/S grades, or equivalent, may be needed if you wish to progress into a supervisory role.

Training

Many companies provide new employees with on-the-job training. This can sometimes lead to qualifications such as:

• NVQ/SVQ levels 1 to 3 in Food and Drink Manufacturing Operations 
• Certificate in Food Safety/Hygiene (awarded by the RIPH, CIEH or RSPH) 
• Certificate in Health and Safety (awarded by, for example, City and Guilds, OCNW or ASET)
• BTEC National Certificate in Food Science and Manufacturing Technology (useful if you are interested in management).

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

The food production industry in the UK is vast, therefore opportunities for advancement are good. Many companies offer internal promotion opportunities to supervisory and management positions.

Food production companies are found in all areas of the country. They often specialise in one area of production such as baking, freezing or brewing. In some cases, for example, in the canning and freezing of soft fruit and vegetables, process work is seasonal.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Salaries start at around £11,500 a year, although apprentices may earn less.
Salaries can rise to £17,000 or £18,000 a year.
Shift leaders and supervisors may earn up to £28,000.

Overtime and shift allowances can greatly increase these figures. Some factories pay as much as 30% extra to personnel working through the night.

Further information

Providence House
2 Innovation Close
York
YO10 5ZF
Tel: 0845 644 0448