You could apply to do an apprenticeship. 

Examples include:

• Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Food and Drink Process Operator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Battery Manufacturing Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These typically take from 1 to 3 years to complete, and are a mix of learning on the job and off-site study.

There are many other apprenticeships available, covering specific manufacturing industries, such as automotive, chemicals and engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You could apply for production jobs directly. Some employers may look for GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent qualifications. Experience of production line work would be useful.

You may have to take a test at interview to assess your practical skills.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with your hands
• observation and recording skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a production worker, your could:

• measure, grade and feed raw materials into production machinery
• operate equipment like factory conveyor lines
• assemble goods on a production line
• report equipment faults to maintenance staff
• monitor production and carry out basic testing and quality checks
• store goods and raw materials, using lifting equipment
• clean and maintain work areas and machinery

You could work in a factory or in a warehouse.

Your working environment may be noisy.

You may need to wear protective clothing.