Postperson
A postperson collects and sorts letters and parcels, and delivers them to homes and businesses in the community.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a postperson, you may:
- load and unload delivery vans
- sort mail and parcels for your route, by hand or using a sorting system
- walk for up to 6 hours a day to deliver mail
- use a hand-held computer device to get customer signatures
- pick up mail from post boxes, post offices and businesses
- deal with wrongly addressed or returned mail
- transport mail to and from processing centres, delivery offices, railway stations and airports
Working environment
You could work in the community or from a vehicle.
Your working environment may be physically active and outdoors in all weathers.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could be promoted to higher grades like delivery office supervisor or manager. You could also move into national parcel deliveries, HGV driving or customer care jobs.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work on your own
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of English language
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have a good level of fitness
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
You'll usually need your own transport to get to and from work, as you may not be able to get public transport to suit your shift times.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
You could apply to do an Express Delivery Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in delivery or sorting, with a courier or postal firm.
These take around one year to complete and combine on-the-job learning with time at a training centre.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
More Information
Royal Mail often recruit temporary staff. This can be a useful way for you to get some experience in the job before applying for a permanent role.
You can apply directly for postal delivery work. You'll need to be physically fit, a good timekeeper and be friendly and approachable.
You will also need a full driving licence if you want to work on van deliveries.
You can get more details about careers and training in postal work from Royal Mail Group.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.