What does a production worker (manufacturing) do?

As a production worker, your could: measure, grade and feed raw materials into production machinery operate equipment like factory conveyor lines 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…

How do you become a production worker (manufacturing)?

You can get into this job through an apprenticeship.

How much does a production worker (manufacturing) earn?

Starter salaries are around £22,000 a year, rising to about £28,000 with experience.

How many hours does a production worker (manufacturing) work?

Typically 40 to 48 hours a week.

Production worker (manufacturing)

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

Also known as: Process operative, factory worker

Starter salary£22,000 a year
Experienced£28,000 a year
Typical hours40 to 48 a week

What you'll do

As a production worker, your could:

measure, grade and feed raw materials into production machinery
operate equipment like factory conveyor lines
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, using lifting equipment
clean and maintain work areas and machinery

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in a warehouse.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to operate and control equipment
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
the ability to work well with your hands
observation and recording skills
excellent verbal communication skills
knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How to become a production worker (manufacturing)

You can get into this job through:

an apprenticeship
applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:

Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
Food and Drink Process Operator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
Battery Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

There are many other apprenticeships available, covering specific manufacturing industries, such as automotive, chemicals and engineering.

Direct application

You could apply for production jobs directly. Some employers may look for 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.

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
are in care or have been in care
are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a shift supervisor, line manager or move into quality control.

Career tips

Forklift truck training could be useful for some jobs.

Guides for this industry

Manufacturing: pay, interviews and getting started →

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