3116 Planning, process and production technicians

In short

• ONS unit group 3116, in minor group 311 (Science, engineering and production technicians) and major group 3 (Associate professional occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £34,800 (£17.85 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £28,700 (£14.72 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Planning, process and production technicians perform a variety of technical support functions to assist production, process and planning engineers with production programmes and schedules and with manufacturing and processing procedures in order to ensure accuracy, cost-effectiveness and efficiency

Typical entry routes

Entrants to training usually possess GCSEs/S grades. Vocational training consists either of full-time study for a BTEC/SQA National award followed by two years on-the-job training, or an apprenticeship leading to an NVQ/SVQ at level 3.

Tasks

• supports planning and production engineers in assessing existing and alternative production methods
• works from, and helps implement, professional engineers’ drawings and specifications for equipment and layout, and helps implement modifications required for existing plant machinery/layout
• works with engineers on production control methods to monitor operational efficiency and helps to eliminate potential hazards and bottlenecks in production
• liaises with materials buying, storing and controlling departments to ensure a steady flow of supplies
• supports professional engineers in reviewing safety, quality, accuracy, reliability and contractual requirements
• supports implementation of plans of sequence of operations and completion dates for each phase of production or processing
• ensures implementation of inspection, testing and evaluation methods for bought-in materials, components, semi-finished and finished products
• plans and coordinates maintenance activities involved in manufacturing and processing procedures
• ensures accuracy of manufacturing and testing equipment
• ensures effective completion and implementation of detailed instructions on processes, work methods and quality and safety standards for workers
• reviews and analyses production data
• plans the cost impact and staff resources for projects

Related job titles

• Process technician
• Production controller
• Production planner
• Production technician

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3116 Planning, process and production technicians

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Planning, process and production technicians

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£34,800 (£17.85 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

3116 Planning, process and production technicians

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

3116

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Planning, process and production technicians

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£28,700 (£14.72 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

£25,900 (£13.28 per hour)

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

Yes

Other unit groups in minor group 311

• 3111 Laboratory technicians
• 3112 Electrical and electronics technicians
• 3113 Engineering technicians
• 3114 Building and civil engineering technicians
• 3115 Quality assurance technicians
• 3119 Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

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