Metals Industry Production Operative

The metals industry consists of companies which extract, process, distribute and recycle metals, or fabricate metals for construction or other products. It supplies vital raw materials, basic precision products, and complete building structures to the manufacturing, public and service sectors. Production operatives prepare machines to begin the manufacturing process, close machines after a production run and check machines regularly when they are in operation. The metals industry has invested heavily in the latest technology, which means operatives work with valuable computer-controlled machinery.

Operatives normally work a standard number of hours each week, with possible overtime and shift work. They are based on the factory floor, and the work often involves standing at machines for long periods of time. The work can be strenuous and involves bending and lifting.

Salaries range from around £15,000 to £27,000 a year.

A production operative in the metals industry should:

• understand how the operating machinery works
• be aware of health and safety issues and take them seriously
• be a good team worker who enjoys working in a technical environment
• be fit enough to cope with active physical work.

There are metals companies throughout the UK, although the greatest concentration is in Yorkshire, Humberside and the West Midlands. The UK metals industry is the country's fourth largest manufacturing exporter and it exports almost 50 per cent of what it produces to around 200 countries.

There are no set entry requirements for work as a production operative. It is possible to enter the industry straight from school, and train as an apprentice. For entry to an Apprenticeship, employers look for individuals with ability in maths, English and science, good interpersonal skills and a positive attitude. GCSE grades in manufacturing and engineering are welcomed. Metals employers also value GCSE passes in applied business, applied ICT and applied science.

Apprenticeships lead to an NVQ at Level 2; an Advanced Apprenticeship leads to an NVQ at Level 3 and often to technical certificates such as a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma. The Diplomas in engineering and in manufacturing and product design may be relevant for this area of work.

Employers encourage production operatives to progress to supervisory roles and production management.

Further details