Packer
What is the work like?
Packers work on production lines, putting manufactured goods and products into containers like boxes, trays, bags and crates. Some packers work by hand at a conveyor belt, while others operate packing machines and load the raw materials, packaging and labels.
Your duties would usually include:
- adding protective materials to goods, such as bubble wrap and polystyrene chips
- sealing containers with glue, staples or shrink-wrap
- weighing and label packaged goods ready for distribution
- cleaning work areas
- reporting any problems during the shift to supervisors.
In the case of heavy goods, such as washing machines or vehicle parts, you would use loading and lifting gear. You could also operate forklift trucks to move goods to storage areas ready for loading and dispatch.
When packing you would follow health and safety regulations at all times, particularly if working with hazardous materials. With experience you could move into sampling and testing products as part of quality control procedures.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any particular qualifications to be a packer, although employers may ask for some GCSEs (A-C). Some employers select workers by using an entry test to assess practical skills.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme with a warehouse or manufacturing company. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
In certain jobs you may need a forklift truck licence. See the profile for Forklift Truck Operator for more information.
What further training and development can I do?
You would normally have a short induction period when you start work as a packer. This would cover health and safety, packing procedures and equipment, staff welfare and employment conditions. A supervisor or trainer will then show you how to carry out the job tasks.
You could take a work-based NVQ for Packaging Operators at levels 1 and 2. Course units include:
- Start, Control and End Packaging Operations
- Carry Out Routine Machine Changeover
- Work With Hazardous Materials
- Control Printed Materials
- Carry Out Simple Sampling and Testing Operations.
For more information about this qualification, see the website for the PAA/VQ-SET awarding body.
The British Association of Removers (BAR) runs short courses, which include packing training, for people working in the removals industry. Contact BAR for details.
Where can I go for more information?
1 Carlton House Terrace
London
SW1Y 5DB
Tel: 020 7451 7300
62 Exchange Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0TG
Tel: 01923 699480
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £10,000 and £12,000 a year.
- Salaries for experienced staff can go up to £15,000 a year.
Salary rates vary considerably depending on the industry and your speed and experience. Some packers are paid by piece. Salaries can increase with night shift payments, overtime and additional duties such as driving.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week. This could include shiftwork and may cover weekends or nights. Part-time work is common and there may be overtime.
You would be based in a factory or warehouse, and would spend most of your time sitting or standing at a packing machine or conveyor line. Some jobs, such as packing medicines, are done in sterile conditions. Jobs like meat packing are done in a chilled environment.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to perform repetitive tasks quickly, carefully and methodically
- good practical skills
- the ability to follow instructions
- a reasonable level of fitness
- clear handwriting for labelling
- an awareness of safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
You would find work as a packer with factories and warehouses throughout the UK. Many other organisations also employ packers, including mail order companies, shipping and forwarding agents, large retailers, removals firms, and companies specialising in exporting goods.
Your promotion options include becoming a supervisor or shift leader. You could also move into the distribution and delivery of products, for example, as a Warehouse Manager.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA)
Jobcentre Plus
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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