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Contents
Job Photographs
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Attaching a barrel to a crane.
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Tightening the seal on the barrel.
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Labelling the barrels.
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Fixing a cap onto a barrel.
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Packers of heavy goods often work in warehouses.
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Driving a fork lift truck.
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Moving a barrel onto a pallet using a crane.
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Safely moving empty barrels.
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Packer - Heavy Goods
Packer - Heavy Goods
Introduction
Heavy goods packers pack all types of large and heavy items, so that they can be transported safely. Some operate filling and sealing machines, to store liquids in barrels.
Also known as
- Heavy Goods Packer
Work Activities
As a Heavy Goods Packer, you will work with items that need to be packed to protect them from damage during transportation. Depending on the product, a variety of packaging is used - such as boxes, crates, cases, drums and sacks.
Packers use all types of lifting equipment, including fork-lift trucks and overhead cranes, to move goods such as heavy engineering units.
Some heavy items, such as engines and gearbox units, need to be bolted onto steel frames inside wooden crates. You use hand tools such as hammers and screwdrivers to close the crates.
Crates that are to travel by air or sea may need to be prepared so that metal parts do not rust. Packers use compressors to take out moisture from the crates. You also operate staple guns and tape machines, and use knives to cut packaging material.
Packers may also have other duties, such as labelling crates and checking goods for faults before packing them.
Being able to read, write and speak Welsh may be an advantage when you’re looking for work in Wales.
Personal Qualities and Skills
To become a Heavy Goods Packer, you'll need to:
- have good hand skills for the practical work you'll be doing
- be physically fit and active as the work involves heavy lifting and carrying
- pay attention to safety
- have good co-ordination to control lifting machines
Pay and Opportunities
Pay
The pay rates given below are approximate.
- Starting: £15,500 - £16,500
- With experience: £17,500 - £20,000
- Senior Heavy Goods Packers earn £22,000 - £24,000
Hours of work
Packers usually work 39 hours a week, which may include shift work and work at weekends.
Where could I work?
Employers are manufacturers in a wide range of industries.
Opportunities for Packers occur in factories in towns and cities throughout the UK.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised on all the major job boards, on Find a Job, and at Jobcentre Plus.
Entry Routes and Training
Entry routes
You don't need any qualifications to become a packer.
Training
Training is usually on-the-job with supervision from an experienced member of staff.
There may be formal training courses for some aspects of the work such as operating lifting equipment.
Progression
Progression could be to supervisory positions.
Work Experience
Previous experience in postal work, packaging and delivery would be really useful for this career.
Qualifications
You do not usually need qualifications to enter this work.
Adult Opportunities
Age limits
It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.
Skills/experience
Skills gained in practical or technical work using your hands are helpful for people wanting to become packers.
Experience in postal work, packaging and delivery can be useful. Good handwriting is important.
Statistics
- 13% of people in this career work part-time.
- 4% have flexible hours.
- 16% of employees work on a temporary basis.
Further Information
Apprenticeships: Get In. Go Far
National Apprenticeship Service (NAS)
Tel: 0800 015 0400
Email: nationalhelpdesk@findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk
Website: www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Skills Development Scotland - Modern Apprenticeships
Tel: 0800 9178000
Email: info@skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
National Skills Academy for Food & Drink
Sector Skills Council for the food and drinks industry
Email: info@nsafd.co.uk
Website: www.improveltd.co.uk
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