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Postperson

Alternative titles for this job include Postal delivery worker

A postperson collects and sorts letters and parcels, and delivers them to homes and businesses in the community.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

30 to 40 a week

You could work

early mornings on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an Express Delivery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in delivery or sorting, with a courier or postal firm.

These take around one year to complete and combine on-the-job learning with time at a training centre.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More Information

Work

Royal Mail often recruit temporary staff. This can be a useful way for you to get some experience in the job before applying for a permanent role.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for postal delivery work. You'll need to be physically fit, a good timekeeper and be friendly and approachable.

You will also need a full driving licence if you want to work on van deliveries.

Further information

You can get more details about careers and training in postal work from Royal Mail Group.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of English language
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

  • have a good level of fitness

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

You'll usually need your own transport to get to and from work, as you may not be able to get public transport to suit your shift times.

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a postperson, you may:

  • load and unload delivery vans
  • sort mail and parcels for your route, by hand or using a sorting system
  • walk for up to 6 hours a day to deliver mail
  • use a hand-held computer device to get customer signatures
  • pick up mail from post boxes, post offices and businesses
  • deal with wrongly addressed or returned mail
  • transport mail to and from processing centres, delivery offices, railway stations and airports

Working environment

You could work in the community or from a vehicle.

Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could be promoted to higher grades like delivery office supervisor or manager. You could also move into national parcel deliveries, HGV driving or customer care jobs.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a postperson right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a postperson?

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

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