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


Typical Salary

£20,000 – £27,000

per year

Working Hours

38–42

hours per week

Career Area

Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers

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Day-to-day tasks

As a packer, you could:

  • pack and label bulk products
  •  check samples for damaged goods and breakages
  •  seal packaging with tape, glue or shrink wrap
  •  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

Skills needed

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

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Career progression

With experience, you could become a packing team supervisor or shift leader.

With further training, you could work in:

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