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Production worker (manufacturing)

Alternative titles for this job include Process operative, factory worker

Production workers manufacture goods and parts in industries like pharmaceuticals, food and drink, construction and engineering.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£24,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a production worker (manufacturing)

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could take an intermediate apprenticeship in lean manufacturing.

This typically takes about 12 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply for production jobs directly. Some employers may expect you to have GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent qualifications. Experience of production line work would be useful.

You may have to take a test at interview to assess your practical skills.

More Information

Career tips

A forklift truck training certificate could be useful for some jobs.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to operate and control equipment
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • physical skills like strength and coordination
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

  • measure, grade and feed raw materials into production machinery
  • operate production line equipment, like a factory conveyor line
  • assemble goods on a production line
  • report equipment faults to maintenance staff
  • monitor production and carry out basic testing and quality checks
  • store goods and raw materials in the factory or warehouse
  • use lifting equipment and forklift trucks
  • pack goods ready for shipment
  • clean and maintain work areas and machinery

Working environment

You could work in a factory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Manufacturing Operations Apprentice

  • Wage: £15,189.72 Annually
  • Location: Chadderton, Greater Manchester

Apprentice Team Member Production - 14616

  • Wage: £11,648.00 Annually
  • Location: BOLTON

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a production worker (manufacturing)?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Skills assessment

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