Packer

Packers work in factories and warehouses, putting products into containers like boxes, cans and bottles to be sent out for delivery.

Also known as: Order packer, food packaging worker, bottler

• Starter salary£23,000 a year
• Experienced£28,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 42 a week

What you'll do

As a packer, you could:

• pack products into boxes, packets and containers
• quality check samples for damaged goods and breakages
• seal packaging with tape, glue or shrink wrap and add labels
• move goods to storage areas, using a powered pallet or forklift truck
• pick and pack items listed on customer order sheets
• use hand-held scanners to track stock
• load goods into vans and lorries ready for delivery
• complete documentation and records

Working environment

You could work in a factory or in a warehouse.

Your working environment may be physically active.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• co-ordination skills for packing, lifting and carrying
• patience and the ability to remain calm during busy periods
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How to become a packer

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, such as:

• Food and Drink Process Operator
• Supply Chain Warehouse Operative
• Express Delivery Sortation Hub Operative

You can do these with retail, warehouse distribution and manufacturing companies. They normally take around 1 year to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

Direct application

Employers often advertise vacancies for temporary staff and seasonal packing workers through recruitment agencies, which can lead to a permanent job.

There are no set qualifications to work as a packer, though basic computer skills would be useful for using online ordering systems and stock control scanners.

You may have to take an assessment to check your practical skills before being offered a job.

Experience in packing, bottling, order picking or warehouse work can be helpful, though employers will offer you full training when you start.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a packing shift supervisor or section manager.

With further training, you could work in:

• quality control
• production line maintenance
• stock control
• training and staff development

Career tips

Some employers may put you through forklift training once you've been with them for a few months.

Guides for this industry

• Warehouse & Light Industrial: pay, interviews and getting started →

Related roles

• Job roleProduction worker (manufacturing)
• Job roleWarehouse worker
• Job roleForklift driver
• Job roleQuality control officer
• Job roleFood factory worker

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