Plant worker in the food industry, manufacturing worker in the food industry

Food plant operators control and carry out the processes of receiving, handling, processing and preparing food products for their subsequent storage, dispatch, transport and commercialisation. This manufacturing involves different processes, the so-called basic operations, which are typical of the food industry, which requires compliance at all times with the quality, environmental, safety and medical and technical standards set out by the company.

• Receive the manufacturing plan, with notes on the ingredients that will be used, the parameters that must be controlled (ex.: the temperature at which the process must be carried out, quality parameters, environment, etc), inspections to be conducted and the documentation to be recorded. Understand and clarify all questions regarding the manufacturing order with the shift manager.
• Receive the raw materials and ingredients, additives and adjuvants, auxiliary materials, containers and packaging.
• Check and verify that the materials received are those which are needed for the production process, and also that the packaging materials, bottling materials, trays and other supplies are in perfect conditions in order to proceed with their use.
• Identify and record batches of raw and other materials, intermediate goods, finished goods, according to the specifications established by the company.
• Prepare the workspace, applying all necessary measures established by the company, such as safety, hygiene and environmental protection measures.
• Subject the ingredients to prior handling techniques (e.g. selection, classification, washing, peeling, sealing) to standardise qualities and prepare them for subsequent processing, according to the production sheet.
• Carry out the processing and preparation operations established by the manufacturing plan of the product to be produced, the main operations are:
  • Mechanical processing (e.g. size reduction, pressing, mixing, separation, homogenisation, emulsification).
  • Biochemical processing (e.g. fermentation).
  • Transformation through the application of heat (e.g.: frying, cooking)
  • The reduction of the amount of water (evaporation, dehydration, freeze-drying and concentration).
  • The transferral of materials (extraction and filtering)
  • Conservation through the application of heat (pasteurisation, sterilisation)
  • Conservation through cooling (refrigeration and freezing), etc
• Monitor and regulate the automatic processes of machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing process, as well as maintain machinery and utensils in ideal condition in order to ensure equipment meets all hygiene standards.
• Record, identify and segregate defective or non-conforming products for their subsequent analysis, in accordance with the protocols set forth by the company.
• Carry out the packaging methods and verify that these (vacuum packing, gas-assist injection moulding, modified atmosphere packaging...) are carried out as set forth in the manufacturing plan. Label the product.
• Store the products under suitable conditions in order to ensure their preservation and organoleptic characteristics, after using them in the scheduled manufacturing.
• Record the results of the process parameter tests and of the inspections set forth by the work plan for every product.
• Properly manage waste (cleaning of equipment and machinery, remnants, intermediate products, etc).
  

Regulated training and graduates

There is no single formal training for this professional profile.

In fact, it is possible to enter this profession without having basic regulated training, although the exercise of this occupation requires having extensive continuous training related to the activity that is developed.

To access this occupation, it is mandatory to have completed training in Food Handler.

• 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)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Elaboració de refrescs i aigües de begudes envasades (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Carnisseria i elaboració de productes carnis (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Fabricació de conserves vegetals (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Peixateria i elaboració de productes de pesca i aqüicultura (Nivell 2)
• Professional Training Course (s) in the field of Food Industries - Intermediate Level: Production of food products
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Food Industries - Intermediate Level: Bakery, pastry and confectionery
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Food Industries - Intermediate Level: Oil and wine Production

Complementary training

Basic training in occupational health and safety
Basic training in good manufacturing and handling practices
Basic training in environmental good practices

It is not necessary to have experience to start working at a food company as a food plant operator. However, experience in a similar position, or as a packaging worker in a food industry, greatly improves one's chances of being hired.

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Analytical thought: Level 1

Orientation within reach: 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 Production Worker in Ready Meal Industry

Meat process worker

Canned Fruits and Vegetables Technician

Oils and fats production technician

Soft drink production technician

• Work hours

  It is usually a full-time job with rotating shifts (morning, afternoon or night) or a fourth shift (weekend).

• Salary

  Between 13,221 and 22,251 euros gross per year. The average salary is around 17,736 euros gross per year. This figure shown is for guidance 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.

• Professional category

  Specialist staff