Packager, Packaging operator; Packaging line operator/supervisor.

Packaging operators in the food industry are the professionals responsible for the final phase of the production process: packaging or bottling, and subsequent packing of the final product, in order for it to be stored, dispatched, transported and sold, ensuring optimum quality and hygiene, and applying suitable techniques for its storage, and at all times ensuring compliance with the quality, environmental, safety, medical and technical standards set out by the company.

• Receives the manufacturing plan, with notes on the products that will be packaged, the parameters to be controlled (ex.: the temperature at which the process must be carried out, quality parameters, environment), the inspections to be conducted and the documentation that must be recorded.
• Understands and clarifies their questions regarding the manufacturing plan with the shift manager.
• Checks that the packaging materials, bottling materials, trays and other supplies that comprise the product's final package are in perfect conditions in order to proceed with their use:
  Check that the label corresponds to the product to be packaged and the quantity required.
  Carry out quality checks on the packaging materials, as dictated by the product packaging protocol, and compile the results of this, whether on paper or digitally.
• Carry out packaging and packing tasks following instructions received:
  Prepare and condition specific machinery and equipment used, implementing the necessary safety, health and environmental protection actions in order to avoid the risks associated with product contamination, occupational accidents or environmental pollution.
  Resolve issues that arise during the manufacturing process (altering packaging, restocking labels, etc.) within the parameters set out in the work schedule.
  Inform the production manager should the production line have to be stopped. Should they be unable to fix the problem, inform the shift manager.
  Ensure that the various packaging methods (vacuum packing, gas-assist injection moulding, modified atmosphere packaging.), are carried out as set forth in the manufacturing plan.
  Label the product.
  Monitor and regulate the cold chain throughout the process (if it is carried out at low temperatures), in order to ensure that the end product is preserved properly and that all of its properties are retained.
  At all times comply with all necessary good practices for handling, protection and safety, particularly in packaging processes that require extreme hygiene (e.g. clean rooms and areas where environmental pollution is controlled).
• Record the results from the process parameter checks and inspections set out in the working plan for each product.
  Check that labels and/or seals have been applied properly.
  Check that the labelling, packaging and packing parameters remain within established and acceptable margins, by for example monitoring pressure (time, temperature, residual air), weight (volume, size, number of units), sealing (packaging correctly sealed, seal guarantee) and the marking of batch and expiration dates on containers and packages.
  Ensure that samples of the final product have been taken and identified in line with the instructions laid out in the work plan.
  Records, identifies and segregates defective or non-conforming products for their subsequent analysis, in accordance with the protocols set forth by the company.
• Properly manages waste (cleaning of equipment and machinery, remnants, intermediate products, etc).
• At all times adopt the measures set forth in the company's regulations and work in accordance with standards for safety in the workplace.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Operacions auxiliars d'elaboració en la indústria alimentària (Nivell 1)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Operacions auxiliars de manteniment i transport intern de la indústria alimentària (Nivell 1)
• Professional Training Course (s) in the field of Food Industries - Intermediate Level: Production of food products

Complementary training

Analytical thought: Level 1

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Food plant operator

Food Production Worker in Ready Meal Industry

Oils and fats production technician

Dairy production technician

Canned Fruits and Vegetables Technician

• Work hours

  Normally a full-time job, with rotating shifts (morning, afternoon and night). There may also be a fourth shift (weekend).

• Salary

  Between 13.300 and 15.932 euros (annual gross salary). Median: 14.514 euros annum gross. This figure is for informational purposes only and depends on the company's size.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.