Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information Estimating sises, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

The Work

Also known as ‘Picker-Packer’ and ‘Warehouse Operative’.

Packers of light goods pack all types of manufactured products such as clothing, food and drink, electrical and electronic equipment, pharmaceutical products and small engineering parts. These items are packed for a number of purposes:  
 
- to protect them from damage  
- to preserve them  
- for display in presentation packaging  
- so that products can be sold in convenient numbers or amounts.  
 
The packer's work depends on the type of product and manufacturing process. Many packers work on production lines and pack products as they are made. Packers lift items from a conveyor belt and put them into protective materials, such as plastic, shredded paper, bubble-wrap, shrink-wrap or polystyrene. The items are then put into boxes.  
 
Packers may make up boxes from pre-cut cardboard and operate sealing equipment, such as tape or staple guns, to seal packages. If products are mainly packed by machine - for instance, liquids into bottles or cream into tubes - the packer may be involved in machine operating.  
 
Some items are weighed as they are packed, for example small engineering parts such as nuts and caps. Packers may stack packed goods ready for delivery.  
 
The packaging of some products is broken down into stages, so that the work can be done quickly. A packer is then involved in only part of the process. For example, one packer may iron a shirt and line the collars with cardboard and plastic inserts; another packer may fold and pin the shirt; a final packer may bag and box it.  
 
Packing some items involves operating shrink-wrap machines. Packers cover the products in polythene sheeting and push them through the machine, which heats and shrinks the plastic film tightly.  
 
Those involved in packing a variety of different products may need to choose appropriate packaging. They select packages and inner protection of the correct sise and material to suit the product, and make sure it is safe to transport. Some packers label packages with product or customer details.  
 
Packing can also involve checking goods for faults or damage as part of the quality control process.  
 
Some packers are employed in production areas and others in warehouse or despatch departments.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Examine and inspect containers, materials, or products to ensure that product quality and packing specifications are met.
• Measure, weigh, and count products and materials.
• Record product, packaging, and order information on specified forms and records.
• Seal containers or materials, using glues, fasteners, nails, and hand tools.
• Assemble, line, and pad cartons, crates, and containers, using hand tools.
• Obtain, move, and sort products, materials, containers, and orders, using hand tools.
• Mark and label containers, container tags, or products, using marking tools.
• Clean containers, materials, supplies, or work areas, using cleaning solutions and hand tools.
• Remove completed or defective products or materials, placing them on moving equipment, such as conveyors, or in specified areas, such as loading docks.
• Place or pour products or materials into containers, using hand tools and equipment, or fill containers from spouts or chutes.

Further Information

• Packer - Light Goods - 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.

Previous experience in packaging and delivery would be useful for this career. technical qualifications are generally not required, but formal training courses for some aspects of the work such as operating lifting equipment, such as a forklift truck licence may improve your choices of development.

Key Skill Certs: 

Manual Handling certificate: refers to physical activities in most workplaces, and in particular when the activities involve lifting heavy objects which could result in back injury. 

Safepass: Site Health & safety Awareness

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET Coursefinder.

Training & Development

Traineeship: Engineering operations & Manufacturing NFQ level 4-5 Search our FET coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Transport & logistics, Warehousing & distribution at NFQ Level 5 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship Transport, Distribution, logistcs at NFQ  level 6 Search our Apprenticeship finder

Professional Development 

With some experience you may have opportunities to progress to a supervisor or management role. Supervisory Management courses NFQ level 6 search our FET Coursefinder 

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €45k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and conditions.

Data Source(s):
Indeeed/ Morgan McKinley/ Flexsource/ Collins McNicholas

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

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

Although employment numbers grew between 2021 and 2022, they remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. A higher-than-average share (39%) employed in these roles were non-Irish citizens.

Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were primarily for general and production operatives, while vacancies for general and packaging operatives were identified as difficult-to-fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey. The perceived attractiveness of the job (e.g. shift work) may be a contributing factor in terms of recruitment issues for this occupation.

• All Ireland Warehousing Association

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