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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

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £161.25 Weekly
  • Location: Stockton-On-Tees

Stockroom/Despatch Operative Apprentice

  • Wage: £187.50 Weekly
  • Location: Mansfield
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a packer?

Search for training courses near you.

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Related careers

Skills assessment

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