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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 and apprenticeship or by applying directly.

Apprenticeship

You might be able to start 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 to be a packer. There are no set qualifications to work as a packer. 

You might have to take an assessment to check your practical skills before being offered a job. It can also help if you have previous experience in packaging or a manufacturing role.

More Information

Further information

You can find out more about working in warehousing from Generation Logistics.

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 might 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 this role you could:

  • check items to make sure they are not damaged or broken
  • weigh, label and wrap items
  • close containers and load packed 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.

You could also do training to become a quality control assistant or a delivery driver.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Warehouse Occasional Driver apprentice

  • Wage: £16,328.00 Annually
  • Location: Unit H I Park, Bankside, Hull

Stock Control Assistant Apprentice

  • Wage: £10,004.80 Annually
  • Location: Chilton Industrial Estate, Chilton, Ferryhill
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

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