What Does a Packaging Assistant Do?

Packaging assistants, also sometimes called packers, play a vital support function within warehouse logistics operations. Their primary responsibilities revolve around preparing outgoing goods and shipments for delivery to customers. Common day-to-day tasks include:

• Receiving and verifying orders against pick lists or shipment records
• Selecting ordered items from storage areas or inventory shelves
• Counting, weighing and measuring products as needed
• Applying labels, tags and shipping marks correctly
• Packaging items appropriately based on their nature (boxes, pouches, crates, etc.)
• Recording relevant packing details
• Ensuring packages meet quality control standards
• Organising and loading packaged shipments onto pallets or directly into vehicles
• Perform basic quality checks and troubleshoot any issues
• Keep work areas clean and well-organised

Accuracy, speed, attention to detail and the ability to follow standardised processes are crucial skills for these roles. Packaging assistants often work in busy environments and may be required to fulfil high volumes of orders within tight timeframes. Experience in warehousing, logistics or a related field can be an asset but is not always mandatory, as on-the-job training is typically provided. Good computer skills and being comfortable with inventory/shipping software may also be valuable.

Leading Employers Offering Packaging Assistant Roles in Australia

A few prominent third-party logistics (3PL) companies and dedicated warehousing firms stand out as leaders in the Australian market consistently hiring for packaging assistant positions with potential visa sponsorship:

Toll Global Logistics

As one of the largest logistics providers globally, Toll operates over 80 warehouses nationally and employs thousands across various roles. They sponsor numerous packaging assistant visas each year through their established partnerships with migration agents. Toll offers competitive pay, training programs, and opportunities to advance into supervisory roles over time.

DHL Supply Chain

Another international logistics giant, DHL manages extensive warehousing facilities in all major Australian cities. They take on many packaging assistants from overseas through flexible 457 and temporary skills shortage visas. Salary is above average for the industry and benefits include health insurance. Career development support is also available.

Linfox

A prominent domestic 3PL, Linfox runs over 30 warehouses and maintains long-term client partnerships across industries. They actively recruit packaging assistants from abroad for both metropolitan and regional sites in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. Successful applicants receive sponsored 482 temporary graduate visas.

Steinway Logistics

Specializing in fashion and apparel logistics, Steinway offers packaging assistant roles at its Melbourne distribution hub. Applicants can qualify for 482 visas due to the nature of its industry-specific work. Perks include discounted gym memberships and flexible shift options. On-the-job drivers’ license training is also sometimes available.

OTS Global

As a mid-sized specialist 3PL, OTS Global focuses on healthcare and pharmaceutical supply chains. Its sponsored 482 packaging assistant positions are a great entry point for the healthcare logistics sector. Workers gain exposure to controlled temperature environments and quality compliance systems. Salaries are comparatively higher too.

These representative companies have well-established visa sponsorship programs and have helped many international job seekers gain firsthand Australian warehouse experience over the years. Other major players in the market like Toll Transport, Quickspace, and Quantium may offer similar opportunities periodically as well.

Salary and Benefits of a Packaging Assistant Role

According to the latest salary data from the Fair Work Ombudsman, packaging assistants in Australia can generally expect to earn the following:

• Entry level (0-6 months experience): $55,000 to $60,000 AUD per year
• Experienced (1-3 years): $60,000 to $65,000 AUD
• Highly skilled (>3 years): $65,000 to $75,000 AUD

Most employers offer above-award rates, with larger companies tending to compensate higher. Overtime is also often paid at 1.5x regular hourly rates for hours worked beyond 38 per week.

Standard benefits typically include paid annual and sick leave accrual, subsidized healthcare or medical insurance, optional superannuation contributions, and discounted employee purchase programs. Firms may also provide optional retirement savings plans, commuter benefits, education reimbursement, and parental leave beyond minimum requirements.

Some employment perks specific to the warehousing industry can involve uniform allowances, on-site gyms and cafeterias, lift license reimbursement, flu shots, or access to shuttle buses for late shifts. Overall remuneration is quite competitive given the nature of work.

The Visa Application and Sponsorship Process

The temporary Graduate (482) and Skills Shortage (482) visas are commonly used pathways for packaging assistant roles with sponsorship. The standard process involves these key steps:

• Obtaining a valid job offer letter specifying visa sponsorship from an eligible employer in Australia
• Meeting basic skills, qualifications and experience criteria set by the employer and occupation lists
• Submitting an online visa application including paperwork like qualifications, resume/CV, medicals, police clearance
• Attending an interview at an Australian Migration Office if requested
• Grant of a 2-4 year visa providing the right to live and work full-time in the nominated occupation
• Conditions may apply like minimum salary thresholds and health insurance coverage

Once in Australia, visa holders have work rights tied to their specific sponsor and can transition to permanent residency later through the Temporary Graduate or Temporary Skills Shortage visa streams if continuing to work full-time. Extensions beyond 2-4 year periods may also be granted based on circumstances.

The application timeframe usually ranges from 2-6 months depending on caseloads. It is essential to start preparing documents well in advance of desired start dates. Migration agents can help experienced candidates optimise their profiles and navigate requirements smoothly.

Career Progression Within Warehousing

For ambitious packaging assistants seeking to advance their careers long-term in Australia, warehousing roles offer possibilities to transition into leadership positions over the years:

• Team Leader/Supervisor: With 2-3 years experience as a packaging assistant, internal promotions can lead to supervising small teams and basic quality assurance oversight.
• Operations Coordinator: Taking on additional administrative duties like inventory management, reporting, process documentation, and staff scheduling with 4-5 years under the belt.
• Warehouse Manager: Main point of contact overseeing day-to-day operations, safety compliance, and workforce supervision. Requires extensive experience, forklift licenses, and possibly additional education.
• Supply Chain Analyst: Pursuing external supply chain related degrees/certifications opens doors to analyst roles focused on demand forecasting, inventory optimization, route planning, and technology projects.
• Account Manager: Liaising directly with major clients, resolving issues, negotiating rates, and project managing special operations/time-sensitive shipments at the managerial level.

For ambitious self-starters, warehousing careers can provide solid income and responsibilities with ongoing professional enhancement over 10-15 years compared to entry-level roles. Companies actively promote internal talent when possible.