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Postperson

Alternative titles for this job include Postal delivery worker

A postperson collects, sorts and delivers letters and packages to homes and businesses.

Average salary (a year)

£16,000 Starter

to

£25,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

30 to 43 a week

You could work

early mornings

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a postperson

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could do an express delivery operative intermediate apprenticeship, if you want to work as a postperson with driving and collections duties.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

Work

Royal Mail often recruit temporary staff. This can be a useful way for you to get some experience and apply for permanent jobs as they come up.

Direct Application

You can apply directly for delivery work. You don't need any specific qualifications. You'll need to apply online.

More Information

Further information

You can get more on careers and training in postal work from Royal Mail.

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
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to work well with others
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • 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.

Having your own vehicle may also be necessary for some delivery roles.

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 part of your day-to-day duties, you may:

  • sort the mail for your route, by hand or using machinery
  • load and unload delivery vans
  • 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
  • move mail to and from processing centres, delivery offices, railway stations and airports

Working environment

You could work from a vehicle or on the road.

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 supervisor and manager. You could move into parcel deliveries, courier jobs or customer care and administration.

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

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Related careers

Skills assessment

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Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

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  • 10am to 5pm Saturday and bank holidays

We're closed Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

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