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Occupations
There is a diverse range of occupations in the manufacturing industry because of the many sub-sectors, for example:
- assembler
- brewer
- chemical plant processor
- food processing worker
- foundry worker
- leather technologist and craft worker
- paper manufacturing worker
- plastics process operative
- sheet metal worker
- distribution/logistics manager
- quality assurance officer
- industrial/product designer
- process engineer
Some jobs require no qualifications, although basic skills are generally preferred, for example, in packing and some processing work. There are other jobs, however, that will demand a high level of experience and expertise, such as craft work. In addition, some roles demand a high level of education, for example, in research and development work.
Other occupations that would be demanded in the manufacturing industry are:
- accountants
- cleaners
- drivers, including fork lift truck operators
- human resources
- sales people
- secretaries and administrators
- technicians and engineers
Source: Prospects website 2004 and Working Futures 2004a
Changing composition of employment in manufacturing and recycling by occupation and replacement demands, 1982-2012
Source: Working Futures 2004b, table 2.10.3. Based on CE/IER forecasts.
Occupational structures in manufacturing
Employment levels in this industry are projected to remain stable, with no dramatic shifts in occupational structure.
The manufacturing sector is mainly composed of operatives, elementary jobs, skilled trades, and managers and senior officials. While the UK as a whole is mainly composed of managers and senior officials, and professionals.
The food, drink, and tobacco sector makes up 1.6% of total employees in employment in the UK and 10% of manufacturing employment. The largest sub-sectors in terms of employment would include the production, processing and preserving of meat (23%); bread, fresh pastry goods and cakes (17%); and cocoa, chocolate and sugar confectionery (5%).
The food, drink, and tobacco sector workforce comprises of:
- process, plant and machine operatives together with elementary jobs 55%
- skilled trades 14%
- managers and senior officials 11%
Source: SSDA Skills Matrix 2004 and Working Futures 2004a
Last cached: 2008-05-06 12:38 PM