Food processors may be required to carry out a number of different roles within the food production industry, from blending and mixing raw foodstuffs, to assembling products and handling industrial machinery.
For entry level roles, there are no standard qualifications required, but a grasp of basic maths and English is important where dealing in weights and measures, following recipes or gauging cooking and mixing times. On a basic level, employment as a food processor demands dexterity and stamina to handle food and equipment on a fast-paced factory floor for long periods of time.
While this can be a manual job, recruitment agencies may also be looking for candidates who are observant and conscientious in the handling of manufacturing equipment. Food processors are responsible for the careful and safe handling of their machinery to avoid problems such as contamination, leaks or malfunctions, so instruction on proper health and safety practices is an essential part of the training an employer will be expected to provide to staff.
Other desirable skills for recruiters in food processing include, punctuality, a strong work ethic and the ability to take instruction. Career progression for employees can vary from company to company, depending on the training schemes in place, but effective workers may graduate to more senior roles such as managing a team or becoming a general floor manager.