Food and drink production is a vibrant, innovative and exciting industry. It’s the biggest manufacturing sector in the country (larger than automotive and aerospace combined) and is a vital part of the UK economy. Nearly half a million people play a part in producing a fantastic range of food and drink that is enjoyed here in the UK and around the globe.
It’s a hugely diverse industry, offering employment to people with a wide array of skills and talents. Whether you’re looking for an entry level job in production or packing, or a technical or leadership role in food science, engineering or sustainability, then the industry could have a role for you.
Many businesses also offer the opportunity to keep learning and gain professional qualifications within areas such as team or project management, health and safety, and food safety.
What do I need?
Lots of entry level jobs are available right now, and you don’t always need specific qualifications or experience. Search on the Find a job website (opens in a new tab) to see what’s on offer.
Most food and drink businesses also offer a wide range of apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships that can support your development and progression within their business. You can search for apprenticeship opportunities (opens in a new tab) on the Find an Apprenticeship website.
For more technical and senior jobs, you’ll usually need the right qualifications or experience. If you have qualifications in STEM subjects (that’s Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths), then a huge range of specialist roles could be open to you, including food engineers, process operators, technical professionals, food technologists, packaging technologists or new product development technicians.
For graduate level roles, you’d normally need at least a 2:2 pass in a subject that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Further links
- get help with finding a food job that suits you by using the handy Food Careers Tool on the University of Nottingham’s website (opens in a new tab).
- if you’re based in Scotland, the Food and Drink in Scotland website (opens in a new tab) is a good source of information
- and if you’re in full time education (or have recently finished), check out the Tasty Careers website (opens in a new tab).
- for more information watch the Working in the UK Food Industry video (opens in a new tab) from the Association of Labour Providers website.
Search and apply for food manufacturing jobs (opens in a new tab) on the Find a job website.
