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Fast Moving Consumer Goods
Dream up, design and package the next big thing – then watch it fly off the shelves with a career in fast moving consumer goods!
🍫 What is fast moving consumer goods?
Fast moving consumer goods aka FMCG: think crisps, deodorant, drinks – all the everyday stuff you get from the shops. These are the things we buy all the time, usually cheap and super convenient.
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What jobs can I do?
Designer
Designers come up with the look of your favourite products – from the packaging to the logos. Their job is to make stuff stand out, so you’ll want to buy it.
Manager
Managers make sure everything runs smoothly, from designing the product to getting it in shops. They’re the ones making the big decisions and keeping projects on track.
Marketer
Marketers come up with cool ideas to get people hyped about products. They handle advertising, promotions and campaigns, getting everyone talking about the latest release.
Market researcher
Market researchers figure out what people want. They run surveys and focus groups to find out what’s hot and what’s not, so companies can make products you'll love.
Mechanical engineer/technician
Mechanical engineers and technicians keep the machines running that make all your favourite FMCG products. They’re the tech whizzes behind the scenes, making sure production stays slick.
Quality controller
Quality controllers are the gatekeepers for product standards. They check everything that comes off the production line to make sure it’s up to scratch before it hits the shops.
What are the top skills?
🖌️ Creativity
Creativity is everything in FMCG, whether it’s designing cool packaging or dreaming up viral marketing campaigns. If you’ve got fresh ideas, this industry could be for you.
✔️ Decision-making
Quick thinking is a must in FMCG. You’ll need to make smart decisions fast, whether it’s solving production hiccups or adjusting a campaign to fit new trends.
😊 People skills
In FMCG, you’re part of a big team, so people skills are key. You’ll need to work well with others, chat with clients and keep everything running smoothly.
🧐 Problem solving
From fixing broken machines to tweaking marketing plans, problem solving is a daily thing in FMCG. Being able to handle surprises and find solutions is a major win.
📚 Research
Research helps brands understand what’s trending and what customers actually want. Gathering data and figuring out what it means is key to creating products that will sell.
How can I start a career in FMCG?
🛠️ What apprenticeships can I do?
You can get into FMCG through apprenticeships like the level 3 advertising and media executive or the level 4 marketing executive. Food engineering roles are also up for grabs.
🎓 Is uni an option?
Yep, uni is a great option, especially for jobs in design, business, or engineering. Degrees can boost your chances of landing a role, particularly in more technical areas.
📜 Are professional certifications available?
Yes, certifications like the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) or Lean Six Sigma can level up your skills. These qualifications look great on your CV and can boost your career.
⭐ How can I stand out?
Take part in a Young Enterprise challenge, build a creative portfolio, or get hands-on experience with internships. Showing off your creativity, teamwork and initiative will set you apart.
What qualifications can I get?
What degree options do I have?
You could go for degrees in business, marketing, design or engineering. These will prep you for a range of FMCG roles, from developing products to managing production.
What qualifications can I get through a fast moving consumer goods apprenticeship?
FMCG apprenticeships offer qualifications from level 2 to level 5. You could get NVQs or foundation degrees, like the level 3 food technologist, giving you skills in production and quality control.
5 fun facts you didn’t know
And the UK’s favourite chocolate bar is…
The Mars bar. Followed by the Boost (that one surprised us!) Quality Street and Munchies are next, with the KitKat trailing at number 6!
Brits drink 95 million cups of coffee every day
Not each! Nearly two-thirds of Britons drink coffee regularly. Slightly less, 59%, are regular tea drinkers.
Eco-friendly packaging boosts profits!
As well as being good for the planet, brands that use recyclable packaging are more likely to shift product than companies that don’t.
One in 20 Brits are vegan
4%, to be precise. Brands like KitKat and Cadbury’s are making plant-based alternatives to appeal to the growing vegan market.
TikTok is an advertising favourite
Unsurprisingly, platforms like TikTok are a great place to reach consumers, particularly Gen Zers!
Need more info? Ask an Apprentice
Considering an apprenticeship in this area of work? Or just unsure about uni? Our Ask an Apprentice community is made for you! Be mentored and chat with real apprentices, get application tips, and ask all your burning questions through our new platform.
