Website of the UK government

About the manufacturing industry

The UK manufactures many different products. Manufacturing ranges from making ships and cars to clothes and paper. There is a wide variety of different jobs to choose from. What manufacturing jobs usually have in common is the use of machines and tools, processes and people to make things.

Jobs in Manufacturing

Manufacturing is very important to the British economy. People who work in Manufacturing can be called different things, for example:

• assembler
  
• engineer
  
• technician
  
• machinist
  
• operative

Most employees work in teams and must be able to work quickly to meet any targets they might have. Each team usually has a team leader. Managers make sure everything runs smoothly.

What skills you will need

The skills you need will depend on the type of business you want to work in. For example, someone working in a clothing factory will need different skills than someone who assembles computers.

Advantages of working in manufacturing

There are many advantages to working in this diverse sector, including the following:

• training – many jobs in manufacturing give you the chance to learn and improve your skills ‘on the job’, with Apprenticeships and NVQ or BTEC qualifications on offer
  
• job satisfaction – if you are the type of person that enjoys being creative and making things, seeing what you have made at the end of your working day can be very satisfying
  
• good career prospects – many manufacturers continue to do well and strong companies will thrive, so there are many opportunities to progress if you’re willing to work hard
  
• the chance to make a difference – you could end up working with cutting edge technology and make high–tech products too, for example, medicines or air craft

Real-life examples

Sue Turner, Chemical Process Operator

I work in labs and in the factory. It’s my job to help design and make new plastics. I’ve just finished my Apprenticeship and next week I step up to a new job as a Chemical Engineering Technician. After I’ve been doing it for a while, my pay could rise to more than £28,000 a year.

Nick Ryman, Blacksmith

I’m a practical person. I love design and I don’t mind getting my hands dirty! Crafting ironwork gates and furniture is the ideal job for me. I enjoy seeing the results of my hard work. My pay is around £15,000.

Find a job in this sector

Find out more about training and careers in government by visiting the websites below.

• Start a job and skills search Opens new window

• The Recruitment and Employment Confederation Opens new window

• Visit the SEMTA website Opens new window

• Visit the cogent careers website Opens new window

More help and support

For more information on working in this sector, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office and talk to an adviser.

They can tell you what help and support is available to you to help you into work, including financial support with training and qualifications.

You can talk to a Jobcentre Plus adviser by calling 0845 606 0234.

• Find your local Jobcentre Plus office Opens new window

• Help and advice when applying for a job