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Pharmaceutical Factory Worker

Pharmaceutical factory workers perform a variety of tasks involved in producing toiletries or pharmaceutical products such as ointments, creams, aerosols, tablets, capsules, bandages and vaccines.

 

Tasks & duties

Pharmaceutical factory workers may do some or all of the following:

  • weigh, measure and mix ingredients for ointments, creams, tablets and liquid medication
  • ferment (chemically break down) bacteria cultures and collect antigens to produce antibodies
  • control the temperature and operation of machines
  • apply coatings to some products for flavour, colour or preservation
  • sterilise and measure products
  • weigh and package products
  • operate and sterilise machines
  • keep records, complete batch documentation and do paperwork
  • investigate or report on deviations from the production process

 

Skills & knowledge

Pharmaceutical factory workers need to have:

  • knowledge of the product they are producing
  • knowledge of quality control and the code of Good Manufacturing Practice
  • knowledge of safety procedures and hygiene regulations
  • machine operating skills
  • writing and reporting skills
  • basic maths or science skills
  • the ability to follow instructions

 

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a pharmaceutical factory worker. However, because you may work with controlled substances you must not have any criminal convictions.

 

Secondary education

Pharmaceutical factory workers should have some secondary level English and maths. Most employers prefer you to have at least three years of secondary education.

 

Tertiary education

A tertiary qualification is not needed to become a pharmaceutical factory worker. However, depending on the type of pharmaceutical factory and the products produced, some employers may prefer factory workers to have a tertiary qualification in science or technology.

 

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Pharmaceutical factory workers can work towards a National Certificate in Pharmaceutical and Allied Product Manufacturing, and a National Certificate in Engineering and Technology (Pharmaceutical and Allied Products).

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for pharmaceutical factory workers includes work in a packing warehouse, dairy factory, or a pharmaceutical or chemical company. Work in a bakery or with food packaging machinery may also be useful.

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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