A production worker is involved in the manufacture and packaging of goods such as food and drink products or pharmaceuticals.

The Work

You could be:

• working on a conveyor line, picking and packing food items
• operating machinery for a specific task, such as bottling drinks or sorting pill types
• measuring out ingredients, chemicals or other materials
• putting products into containers
• wrapping and labelling products
• carrying out basic quality checks
• packing finished items (see also Packer)
• keeping work areas clean and organised.

For working in an engineering or electronics firm, see the specific job profiles for Assembler - Electronics or Engineering Assembler.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting pay is often based on the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or the National Living Wage (NLW).

As of 1 April 2026 the National Minimum Wage is £8.00 an hour for workers under 18, £10.85 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20. The National Living Wage for those aged 21 and over is £12.71 an hour. With experience you may earn up to £11.00 an hour or more.

There may be a chance to boost your income through piecework or bonuses.

Conditions

• You will work in a factory, usually at a workbench or conveyor belt.
• Factories are often noisy and dusty.
• The working week is usually 37-40 hours but you may have to work shifts and overtime.
• You usually work as part of a team that has a shift leader.
• You would have to work quickly.
• Work can be repetitive, where you might be doing the same thing over and over.
• You might have to lift heavy objects.
• You may have to wear protective clothing such as goggles, masks, gloves, hats and overalls.

Getting In

• You do not usually need formal qualifications but a good general education is useful. Some employers may prefer you to have English and Maths at National 4 or 5.
• You may have to sit an aptitude test to show your practical skills.

What Does it Take?

You should have:

• the ability to follow instructions
• good practical skills
• patience
• good hand skills.

You should be able to:

• work well on your own and in a team
• follow health and safety rules
• work carefully, quickly and accurately with your hands
• concentrate well, as work may be repetitive.

Training

• Training is on the job and sometimes at a local training centre.
• You would complete in-house training courses including health and safety.
• You could do an employer’s training scheme where you may be able to gain Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).

Getting On

• With experience you might gain promotion to be a supervisor, chargehand or inspector.
• You might be able to move into specialised types of work.
• You might be able to move on to work in distribution, transport or warehouses.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.