Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Working Life

The Courier is responsible for the speedy and safe delivery of the items from one destination to another. When the delivery is complete the courier will either travel back to the base or use a telephone/two way radio to get details of the next delivery.  
 
Couriers may be either employed as cycle/bike couriers within urban areas, motorcycle couriers or car and van couriers operating nationwide.  
 
The number of hours worked varies. Couriers may be required to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. The courier usually aims to make the delivery in less time than regular mail. Due to e-mail, couriers main deliveries these days are packages instead of letters.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Deliver and pick up medical records, lab specimens, and medications to and from hospitals and other medical facilities.
• Obtain signatures and payments, or arrange for recipients to make payments.
• Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages.
• Receive messages or materials to be delivered, and information on recipients, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and delivery instructions, communicated via telephone, two-way radio, or in person.
• Load vehicles with listed goods, ensuring goods are loaded correctly and taking precautions with hasardous goods.
• Walk, ride bicycles, drive vehicles, or use public conveyances to reach destinations to deliver messages or materials.
• Sort items to be delivered according to the delivery route.
• Deliver messages and items, such as newspapers, documents, and packages, between establishment departments and to other establishments and private homes.
• Unload and sort items collected along delivery routes.
• Plan and follow the most efficient routes for delivering goods.

Further Information

• Courier- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Delivery Van Driver- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Training is normally 'on-the-job', working alongside an experienced Courier. Some companies provide short courses covering subjects such as road safety, security, radio techniques and communications.  

Key Skill Certs & Knowledge:

Drivers need C1 Licence Road Safety CPC competency

The minimum age requirement is 18.

Drivers may need to obtain Manual Handling, Hazchem, SafePass, Forklift / Reach / PowerPallet certs.

You can search for these courses in FET centres nationwide, these key skill certs may available for no or low cost. You can check via Search our FET CourseFinder

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: van delivery, delivery rigid, artic transport, logistics and distribution.

Search for FET Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Transport and Logistics Apprenticeships, Commercial Driver, Logistics Associate, Logistician, Supply Chain Associate, Supply Chain Specialist, Supply Chain Manager.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €40k

Salaries vary by employer, duties, role, experience, and location.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Salary Explorer/ Excel recruitment/

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Postal workers; mail sorters; messengers and couriers; Elementary administration occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The strong employment growth rate is in part related to changes in the Labour Force Survey in 2017; although employment increased marginally between 2020 and 2021, it remained unchanged in 2022. Most are employed in the transport sector. Automation may reduce the future demand for some roles in this occupation, although increased online shopping since the onset of COVID-19 has seen demand for couriers and postal services persist.

• Road Safety Authority (RSA)

  • Moy Business Park, Primrose Hill, Ballina, Co.Mayo
  • (096) 25000 / LoCall 1890 506080
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)

  • Unit 1, Airport Business Park, Cloghran, Co Dublin
  • (01) 844 7516
  • Click Here