Production operators work on production lines in manufacturing companies, normally doing jobs by hand that machines are unable to duplicate. Food manufacturers often advertise for production operators to work on the final stages of food preparation and the IT industry is another prolific employer in this field. The job may also include operating machinery and fault checking by visual inspection of products on a conveyer belt. Particularly in the food and IT industries, protective clothing and hair coverings will be provided, and the job may involve standing for periods of time.
The job often involves shift or weekend work, especially if it is a part of a 24/7 production line that requires manual assembly of parts or the packing and sealing of of manufactured components.
Educational requirements at entry level vary according to the needs of the product, from basic, for general assembly line jobs, to higher qualifications for those working in the IT industry. Most employees will request basic GCSEs in maths, English and several other subjects.
Salaries are often paid hourly, with overtime available and rates of between £6 per hour upwards to £10 usual across the industry.