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Manufacturing

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Packer

Packers work in factories and warehouses, putting products into containers like boxes, bottles and crates ready for delivery.

Annual Salary

£18,000 to £24,000

Average UK salary in 2024 was £37,430
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

38 to 42 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends; on shifts

2.2%
Future employment

There will be 2.2% fewer Packer jobs in 2029.

Day to day tasks

As a packer, you could:

  • pick, pack and label products
  • check samples for damaged goods and breakages
  • seal packaging with tape, glue, staples or shrink-wrap
  • move products to storage areas, using a powered pallet or forklift truck
  • load goods onto lorries for delivery
  • report problems to supervisors

Working environment

You may need to wear protective clothing.

You could work in a factory or in a warehouse.

Your working environment may be cool.

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
Apprenticeship

You may be able to start work after doing an intermediate apprenticeship, such as:

  • Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2
  • Food and Drink Process Operator Level 2

You could do these with a retail, distribution or manufacturing company. They normally take around one year to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Direct application

You can apply directly for jobs. There are no set qualifications to work as a packer. You may have to take an assessment to check your practical skills before being offered a job.

Previous experience in packing, bottling, canning, manufacturing or warehouse work can help.

Further information

You can get more details about working in packing and warehousing from Generation Logistics.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

  • You might need a forklift truck licence for certain jobs.

More information

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With experience you could become a packing supervisor or shift leader. With further training, you could work in:quality control; production line maintenance; stock control; training

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • concentration skills
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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