Key responsibilities
A factory worker’s duties can vary depending on the types of products being manufactured, but often include:
- operating machinery and tools
- assembling products or components
- conducting quality checks and reporting faults
- packing finished goods
- maintaining a clean and safe work environment
- following workplace health and safety protocols.
Factory worker skills and qualifications
Successful factory workers are dependable, safety-conscious and comfortable performing repetitive or physically demanding tasks. Key skills include:
- awareness of workplace safety
- good hand-eye coordination
- attention to detail and manual dexterity
- basic technical aptitude or experience using tools
- physical stamina and attention to detail.
Qualifications are not always required, but the job description should state any desirable vocational training, such as a TAFE course or apprenticeship relevant to the industry, such as:
- Certificate I in Food Processing
- Certificate II in Manufacturing Technology
- forklift licence or general driver’s licence
- first-aid certificate.
Factory worker skills and qualifications
Successful factory workers are dependable, safety-conscious and comfortable performing repetitive or physically demanding tasks. Key skills include:
- awareness of workplace safety
- good hand-eye coordination
- attention to detail and manual dexterity
- basic technical aptitude or experience using tools
- physical stamina and attention to detail
Qualifications are not always required, but the job description should state any desirable vocational training, such as a TAFE course or apprenticeship relevant to the industry, such as:
- Certificate I in Food Processing
- Certificate II in Manufacturing Technology
- Forklift licence or general driver’s licence
- First-aid certificate
Factory worker experience requirements
Factory workers can be found across a wide range of industries, from food and beverage production to the construction, automotive, pharmaceutical and logistics sectors. Many roles are entry-level and require no prior experience, as training is usually provided on the job or through a traineeship.
Factory worker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, factory workers in Australia earn an average of $31.62 per hour. While wages may vary slightly depending on the employer or sector, rates are relatively consistent across states and territories.
Related job descriptions
Depending on your business needs, you may also want to consider hiring for related roles. These may offer similar skills or responsibilities:
Job outlook for factory workers
Demand for factory workers in Australia tends to remain steady, especially in industries like food processing, packaging and manufacturing. Although automation may reduce the need for some manual tasks, employers still rely on skilled workers to operate machinery, manage production and keep the workplace safe.
Entry into this field typically requires no formal qualifications, but on-the-job training is common and helps new hires learn how to follow safety regulations and work efficiently. As they become more experienced, some factory workers may choose to pursue formal training to progress into roles like production worker, quality control specialist, repair technician or assembly line foreperson.
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