Food and beverage processing workers perform a variety of duties in a plant. The processing of the food or drink itself is done automatically by different machines. However, abut half of the tasks to e completed by the processing worker are manual in nature. Processing workers are found in all food in all food and beverage processing plants including dairies, bakeries and breweries.
Typically, in a food or beverage processing plant, cartons of product must be loaded on and off rolling racks or conveyor systems and then stored for delivery. Raw materials need to be brought to where they are loaded into the machines. Often, you must first pack the product into boxes or bag before it can be moved anywhere.
Apart from these material handling roles, you are also responsible for keeping your work area clean. This is important for reasons of safety and hygiene. In addition, you also participate in quality control by conducting visual or weight checks at key points along the production line.
You are taught how to change settings such as temperature and tension on the equipment, and are expected to make these minor types of adjustments when necessary. In some cases, you are responsible for maintaining and cleaning the equipment you work with.
Processing workers are trained on the job. During the training period, which typically lasts for several weeks, you acquire all the skills necessary to do a good job. You are paid hourly wages and, in some plants, you must join the union within 60 days of starting to work.
Employers are looking for team players who work well with others. You must be dependable and committed to the job. Also, many food processing establishments operate in the evenings and on weekends, and new employees must be prepared to start out working these shifts. Most importantly, employers are seeking to hire those who display a willingness to work and to learn on the job.
The work is physically demanding. You need to be strong enough and agile enough to move in and around the conveyors and other equipment. Even though lifting aids such as forklifts are used to move the finished product and materials, much of the work is done with physical strength. Sometimes, you must be able to lift bundles of 15 kilograms or more. In some environments, workers wear hearing protection because of high noise levels.