Food packaging operative

As a food packaging operative, you would:

• pack products into boxes, packets and containers
•  carry out routine quality checks
•  keep machines supplied with packaging materials and labels
•  adjust machine settings
•  report production line faults to supervisors
•  move packaged goods to storage areas and stack them safely

• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• concentration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You might need forklift truck training for some some jobs, for example, for moving finished products to a factory warehouse.

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

With experience, you could become a:

• production line leader
•  shift supervisor or section manager
•  quality control assistant