Production worker (manufacturing)
Career outlook for
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£24,440
Currently employed in Scotland
2,000
Five year job forecast
-3.02%
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
What's it like?
You would work as part of a team making goods or parts in industries like pharmaceuticals, food and drink, construction and engineering.
For example, you might operate a conveyor line in a canning factory. Or you could put together goods on a production line. This could involve fitting circuit boards into items such as computers. You would need to work quickly and methodically.
You would:
- Measure and grade raw materials
- Feed raw materials into production machinery
- Operate production line equipment
- Assemble goods on a production line
- Report equipment faults to maintenance staff
- Finish products, for example by applying protective coatings
- Monitor the production process 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 in crates or other containers
- Clean and maintain work areas and machinery
You would usually work as part of a team under the supervision of a shift leader, carrying out several tasks within the same shift.
Working with machinery means you would need to follow health and safety rules carefully. You’d also need to be able to concentrate for a long time whilst doing repetitive tasks.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
84%
Part-time
11%
Self employed
5%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Taking responsibility
- Time management
- Concentrating
- Attention to detail
- Cooperating
- Observation
Build your skills
Your skills can help you choose the career that’s right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.
To understand more, have a look at what are my skills?
Keep track of your skills in your account and find the jobs, opportunities and courses that suit you.
Click here to view / add your skillsGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
Helpful to have
Relevant work-based qualifications such as:
- a forklift truck licence
- Scottish Vocational Qualification in Industrial Application (SVQ level 2)
Or be willing to work towards qualifications once in a job.
Related industries
