JOB DUTIES

Cannery Workers may:

Place food products in hoppers, on sorting tables, and/or on a conveyor system

Sort and grade food products according to size, color, or quality

Feed food products into food processing equipment

Trim, peel, and slice food products with a knife or paring tool

Fill containers using a scoop or pack by hand

Count and weigh processed food items according to specifications

Inspect and weigh filled food containers, to ensure that the product conforms with quality and weight standards

Place filled food containers on trays or racks, or into boxes

Load, move, or stack food containers by hand or use a hand truck

Clean glass containers

Tools, equipment, and work aids used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

529.686-014 CANNERY WORKERS can, freeze, preserve, or pack food products using food processing equipment such as washers, peelers, corers, pitters and trimmers. These workers may be known according to the type of work they do, such as dumper, peeler, sorter, or trimmer.

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

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Cannery Workers usually work with other workers under the direction of a supervisor. They work indoors and may have to sit or stand for long periods. Some Workers may have to endure temperature extremes if they work where food products must be maintained at low temperatures to prevent spoilage or where canning and sterilizing operations create hot, moist conditions. They may also work where there is constant noise and vibrations from machines and conveyor systems. Workers may be exposed to hazards such as strong odors or fumes, falls on slippery floors, cuts, or other injuries. These hazards are minimized by using safety precautions.

Cannery Workers usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Some may be required to work day, afternoon, or night shifts. Cannery Workers may work overtime during peak periods and fewer hours slack times.

Some canneries operate continuously until a crop is processed, and some close down until the next processing season. Canneries which process nonseasonal items usually operate year-round.

Cannery Workers may have to furnish their own work clothing such as uniforms, aprons, and hair coverings.

They may join unions where they work and members must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with your hands

• Dealing with things and objects

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

tasks

You Should Be Able To:

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Repeat activities/tasks according to a routine procedure or sequence

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If 4 teaspoons of vinegar are added to a quart of pickles to preserve them, how much vinegar is added to a 5 gallon drum of pickles?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Water bath canner is used for processing fruits, tomatoes, and pickles. Lower jars on rack into canner. Be sure the jars do not touch each other.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining any malfunctions that may have occurred during the day.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to locate a malfunction with the equipment and decide different ways to alleviate it.

Physical examinations and/or health cards may be required by some employers.

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 as a Cannery Worker are limited to summer or part-time work at food processing and canning plants. High school courses in home economics or food service may help you understand the need for preserving foods and the basic methods of canning and freezing.

           School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Cannery Worker employer

internships

volunteer work with a Cannery Worker employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of entering this occupation is by applying directly to employers. Jobs may also be located by consulting local offices of Michigan Works!, local unions, or newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

 Michigan Talent Bank (http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage)

Yahoo! Careers (http://careers.yahoo.com/)

MONSTER.COM  (http://www.monster.com)  

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

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Cannery Workers vary according to the employer, geographic location, and extent of unionization. The hourly wage rate for unionized Cannery Workers is usually higher than the hourly wage rate for nonunionized Cannery Workers.

Nationally, earnings of all production workers in the canned fruit and vegetables industry averaged $16.02 per hour in late 2001.  The median hourly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $14.92 in 2001.

Fruit and vegetable canning in Michigan is frequently seasonal work.

In Michigan, experienced employees who work through the year may receive from $8.00 to $12.00 per hour (mid 2002). Maintenance related jobs typically paid between $12.00 and $16.00 per hour in some plants.

Depending on the employer, most full-time non-seasonal Cannery Workers receive sick leave; paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and health insurance; and retirement plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Cannery Workers usually start as trainees and learn their skills through on-the-job training, which usually takes from a few hours to a few days. Advancement to supervisor depends primarily on work experience, ability to supervise, and availability of job openings.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development