Production Worker

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A career as a Production Worker

Production Workers are employed in food production or ornamental plant production, such as ornamental plant nurseries, fruit and vegetable production, cut flower grower farms, or on any site that produces plants.

  • Ornamental plants can be produced to end up in local parks or the shelves of garden centres

  • Fruit and vegetables production takes place in fruit and vegetable nurseries and farms

Both areas of production may include either field production or protected production in glasshouses or plastic tunnels. The technology involved in growing ornamental and edible plants, plus the job opportunities make working in production a rewarding career.

Also known as: Horticultural Production Worker, Production Operative

Skills/Knowledge

You’ll need:

  • to work well with others and on your own

  • good communication and customer service skills

  • good attention to detail

  • to work safely with machinery and technology

  • physical skills such as mobility and co-ordination

  • patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure

  • to be flexible and open to change

  • to accurately calculate weights and measurements

  • to use a computer or hand-held device for some tasks

You’ll need to have achieved qualifications and certificates of competence to apply pesticides safely - these will include a mandatory Safe Use of Pesticides qualification, followed by the method of application being used e.g. hand held equipment, etc. You'll also need to take courses and gain certificates of competence to operate equipment and use machinery. Different Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) will be recommended for each work situation.

Salary

NB These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and the skills and experience of the employee.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, Agricultural Wages Boards set the minimum wage. In England and the Republic of Ireland, agricultural workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, and in Wales must be paid at least the Agricultural Minimum Wage, or the National Minimum Wage if that’s higher.

Some Production Workers get free or low-rent accommodation.

£14,000
Typical salaries
range from
£26,000
Typical Hours

Around 40 hours per week - the hours will vary depending on the type of farm or production site and on the season. In many businesses early starts are needed in the summer months.

Weekend work, late evenings and overtime are common. Part-time and casual jobs are available.

Day to Day
  • Grow plants by sow seeds, plant bulbs, cultivate cuttings

  • Support plant growth by watering, weeding, pruning, and providing nutrients

  • Identify and deal with pests and diseases

  • Maintaining horticultural tools, machinery and technical equipment

  • Identifying produce to be picked and packaged

  • Work in teams to pick the final product, under the direction of the Harvest Manager

Working Environment

The work can be physically demanding, challenging and affected by the weather and changing seasons. Different areas in the UK specialise in particular types of production depending on climate and soil.

Training Available

Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.

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