Packaging operatives, or machine technicians, work on the machines and production lines that put finished food and drink products (such as biscuits, crisps, soup, soft drinks and chocolate bars) into containers, cans or packets. Items are then packed into larger boxes or crates.

The manufacture of food products is a highly mechanised process, so the job of a packaging operative is likely to include:

• adjusting the settings of machines to handle changes from one type of product, or shape and size of container, to another
• identifying errors in the machines operation
• correcting the machines as soon as a fault develops.

In large factories packaging operatives will make sure the machines are loaded with supplies and run smoothly. They remove any damaged goods and clean the machines ready for each new batch.

Hours and Environment

Operatives usually work 37 to 40 hours a week on a shift system, often including weekends. Overtime is common during busy times. Part-time positions are often available.

As a packaging operative, your work takes place in a factory. This environment can be hot or cold, depending on the product being made, and sometime noisy. You will wear protective clothing and you may be involved in lifting, carrying and loading items onto machinery or transport vehicles.

You will need to  follow health and safety rules. 

Skills and Interests

To be a packaging operative in the food and drink industry, you need:

• a good level of physical fitness
• to be observant, with the ability to spot faults
• patience to carry out repetitive tasks
• the ability to work quickly to meet production targets
• the ability to work on your own as well as part of a team
• the ability to follow strict health and safety guidelines and quality procedures
• good standards of personal hygiene
• to be prepared to work in a noisy, sometimes odorous environment.

Entry

You do not need any formal academic qualifications to start work as a packaging operative, although it may be helpful to have some GCSE/S grades. Previous experience of work in manufacturing will also be useful.

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

As a trainee packaging operative, your induction into a new company will involve on-the-job training working alongside experienced staff. Training is likely to include:

• manufacturing processes
• machine safety
• health and safety procedures.

You may be encouraged to obtain a basic food hygiene certificate such as those run by organisations like the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, and the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland. Courses normally take place at local training centres or colleges. Many employers have their own training courses in health and safety, and hygiene.

As an operative you can work towards vocational qualifications such as:

• NVQ/SVQ levels 1, 2 and 3 in Food and Drink Manufacturing Operations
• NVQ/SVQ levels 1 and 2 in Performing Manufacturing Operations
• NVQ/SVQ levels 1 and 2 for Packaging Operators. 
  

Opportunities

The food and drink industry is the UK's largest manufacturing sector, employing over half a million people. Some factories are large, employing over 500 staff, while others are small, family-run companies.

The number of work opportunities available may change on a seasonal basis.

As an experienced operative, it is possible to be promoted to supervisor or manager. Recruitment for these positions is often internal.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £9,500 and £11,000 a year.
With experience, packers can earn between £16,000 and £18,000.

Salaries can increase with night shift payments.

Further information

Sea Fish Industry Authority
St Andrew’s Dock
Hull
HU3 4QE
Tel: 01482 327837 Providence House
2 Innovation Close
York
YO10 5ZF
Tel: 0845 644 0448