1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Packer

Packer

Alternative titles for this job include Order packer, packaging operative

Packers work in factories and warehouses, putting products into containers like boxes and crates for delivery.

Average salary (a year)

£12,000 Starter

to

£22,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

How to become a packer

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start work as a packer through a warehouse operative intermediate apprenticeship. You could do this with a retail, distribution or manufacturing company.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for jobs. There are no set qualifications to work as a packer. You may have to take an assessment to check your practical skills before being offered a job.

Previous experience in packaging or any manufacturing role can help.

What it takes

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to work on your own
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • to enjoy working with other people
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • customer service skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You may need a forklift truck licence for certain jobs.

What you’ll do

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • inspect goods to see that they are not damaged or broken
  • wrap and pad goods for safe transit
  • seal containers using tape, glue, staples or shrink-wrap
  • weigh and label packaged goods
  • load packages onto a conveyor or pallets
  • report problems to supervisors
  • clean work areas

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in a warehouse.

Your working environment may be cool.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Career path and progression

With experience you could become a supervisor or shift leader. With training, you could work in quality control or move into delivery work.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Supply Chain Warehouse Apprentice LS985

  • Wage: £187.50 Weekly
  • Location: St Helens

Warehouse Operative Apprentice

  • Wage: £146.25 Weekly
  • Location: Gateshead
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a packer?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat

  • 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
  • 10am - 5pm Saturday

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.