JOB DUTIES 

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators may:

Prepare raw products for processing by cleaning and removing damaged or otherwise inferior materials

Operate and/or tend machines that cut, chop, mix, blend, cook, or otherwise process products

Sort, grade, weigh, and inspect products during and after processing to meet specifications

Tend machines which automatically fill, close, and label containers

Regulate valves or chutes that determine how much of the product is deposited in containers or fill containers by hand

Restock, pack, or fill machines with containers, wrapping, and labeling supplies as required

Close containers with caps, lids, plastic sheets, or other seals

Pack, stack, and load filled containers for shipment

Clean and sterilize machinery, equipment, and work areas

Make minor adjustments and repairs to machinery

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators may specialize in these areas:

920.685-078 FILLING-MACHINE OPERATORS tend machines that fill cans or bottles.

920.685-078 CAPPING-MACHINE OPERATORS tend machines that cap bottles after they have been filled.

920.685-078 MACHINE LABELERS tend machines which apply labels to cans or jars.

920.380-010 JUICE PACKAGING MACHINES SETTERS set up, adjust, and run can filling and sealing machines, as well as cases (case-making) machines, to package juice in juice processing establishments.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators work with others under the direction of a supervisor. They work indoors and may have to sit or stand for long periods. Working conditions may vary with the employer or the type of product handled. Some employees may have to endure temperature extremes if products must be maintained at low temperatures to prevent spoilage or where canning and sterilizing operations create hot, moist conditions. They may work where there is constant noise and vibration from machines and conveyor systems and may be exposed to hazards, such as strong odors or fumes; falls on slippery floors; burns, cuts, or other injuries. These hazards are minimized by using safety precautions.

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Depending on the employer and the industry, they may be required to work day, afternoon, or evening shifts. Overtime and weekend work may be necessary when production schedules are heavy.

Work may be irregular because of its seasonal nature. Packaging and Filling Machine Operators in the beverage industry may work additional hours during the spring and summer months when product sales increase. Plants which process nonseasonal items such as soups, baby food, meat, and milk products usually operate year-round.

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators may have to provide their own work clothing such as uniforms, aprons, and hair coverings. They may join unions where they work, including The Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union and The United Dairy Workers Union. Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with your hands

• Dealing with things and objects

• Using equipment, machines, processes, and methods to perform jobs

• Doing routine, organized work

You Should Be Able To:

• Follow instructions exactly

• Adjust to doing the same kind of work over and over

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you have 6000 packages on the conveyor belt. Two rolls of tape last 2100 packages, how many rolls of tape will you need for the job.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and understand training manuals and safety guidelines.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Should be able to write a manual for your position so that the person who is working for you while you are on vacation will know what to do.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Should be able to demonstrate organizational skills and be detail oriented in packaging products.

Packaging and Filling Machine Operators working for industries which process alcoholic beverages must be at least 18 years old. Workers might be required to have a physical exam and/or a health card.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOISCRIPT:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Opportunities to explore or gain experience in packaging and filling work are usually available through summer and part-time work at food processing, canning, and bottling plants.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Packaging and Filling Machine Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Packaging and Filling Machine Operator employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of becoming a Packaging and Filling Machine Operator is by direct application to employers. Assistance in finding a job may be obtained from local unions, local offices of Michigan Works!, or newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Michigan Works!

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators vary according to employer, geographic location, and extent of unionization. The hourly wage rate for unionized workers is usually higher than the hourly wage rate for nonunionized workers.

In late 1998, the national average earnings of all production workers in various food processing industries employing Packaging and Filling Machine Operators were:

The median weekly wage for all Packaging and Filling Machine Operators, was $327 or $8.18 per hour in 1998.

In one Michigan unionized company, Packaging and Filling Machine workers earned $16.60 to $17.55 an hour in 1999. Another Michigan canning company in Western Michigan paid it's Production and Filling Machine Operators from about $7.80 to $8.10 per hour in 1999.

Most full-time Packaging and Filling Machine Operators receive sick leave; paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability and health insurance; and retirement plans. Uniforms and other work-related apparel may also be provided. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, 354,400 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators were employed in 1996. Employment of these workers is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. The industry distribution for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators looked like this:

About 9,575 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators were employed in Michigan. Most worked for manufacturing companies producing items such as meat products, cereal, drugs, plastic products and beverages. Others worked for manufacturers of preserved fruits and vegetables, bakery products, and dairy products.

Employment of Packaging and Filling Machine Operators in Michigan is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 280 openings is expected annually, with 50 due to growth and 230 to replacement of workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Because of increasing centralization of production facilities and technological advances such as increased mechanization and automation, fewer new Packaging and Filling Machine Operators will be needed. The closing of production facilities of two major beverage bottling companies in recent years has also adversely affected employment in southeast Michigan. However, the increasing demand for convenience foods and related products may offset these factors somewhat and contribute to a few additional job openings.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development