GOOD SKILLS FOR WAREHOUSE JOBS

We are often asked what the required skills for warehouse jobs are. Depending on what warehouse job you choose, you may need to learn a few new skills. For example, if you work as a forklift driver, you will need to do forklift licence training. However, for the most part, you can enter into a warehouse role rather easily.

Many people start working at warehouses after college or university. This is because it’s a great way to gain experience in a number of careers whilst earning a good salary. Warehouse jobs offer great flexibility and independence for people of all ages.

TYPES OF WAREHOUSE JOBS

Warehouse staff ensure the safe receipt, storage, and dispatch of warehouse goods. Overall, the duties of warehouse staff include:

Ordering stock

Taking delivery of shipments

Checking goods for damage or missing items

Inventory

Storing warehouse goods in an organised manner

Dispatching goods out to customers.

Below are the different types of warehouse jobs available in the UK. To help you find the right job we have included a brief overview, a list of daily duties and finally, the skills needed to do them.

WAREHOUSE OPERATIVE

A warehouse operative works with inventory, materials, and equipment. They also help customers by answering questions and helping them find items.

A warehouse operative role provides a varied work day that can include the following tasks:

Assisting with the unloading of vehicles

Checking-in of stock

Sorting and placing materials or items on to racks, and shelving

Collecting items throughout the warehouse, and preparing and completing orders for delivery or pickup according to a schedule

Performing warehouse inventory controls via an electronic scanner or computer

Stock counting and location checks.

The skills needed to be a Warehouse Operative are reliability and dependability, ability to meet the physical demands of the job, self-motivation, flexibility and being a team player.

If you feel that being a warehouse operative is a good fit for you, click over to our Industrial Jobs page.

STOCK CONTROLLER

A Stock Controller works with products stored in a warehouse. They track stock levels and ensure there are sufficient supplies to meet the demand of customers.

Stock Controllers typically work daytime hours but they may need to occasionally work late nights or early mornings. The day-to-day duties include:

Checking stock levels regularly

Ordering stock

Updating stock information on the computer system

Comparing items ordered against items received

Implementing or improving processes and procedures

Creating reports and addressing inventory discrepancies

Performing random checks and audits

A Stock Controller needs a range of skills and in some cases, qualifications, to perform this role. Skills include good attention to detail, great customer service, organisation and time management skills. Familiarity with inventory management systems is desired but not necessary.

FORKLIFT DRIVER

A forklift operator works at a warehouse facility where goods are stored and moved by using a forklift truck. They load and unload trucks, move items within the warehouse, and perform other duties as needed.

The main duties of a Forklift Driver are varied however, here is an overview of some of the more common tasks:

Loading and unloading goods from one area to another

Packing and labelling items for shipping

Use tools like pallet jacks to move small loads short distances

Forklift maintenance

Safety compliance

Inventory control

If you want to become a forklift operator, you need to complete some training first. This includes taking a written test, passing a skills assessment, and completing a practical exam. Other skill sets for this role include critical thinking, patience, good communication, flexibility, attention to detail, and teamwork.

ORDER PICKER

An Order Picker is responsible for picking orders from shelves and placing them into boxes. They work closely with other employees who prepare the product for shipping.

Order Pickers are responsible for ensuring the orders they pick and pack include the correct items and are undamaged when shipped. There will be daily targets to reach and health and safety play a big part in this job role. The main duties of an Order Packer include:

Using scanners, barcodes, and serial numbers to locate items for shipment

Check inventory using forklifts or machinery where necessary

Packaging orders for shipment

Completing invoicing and paperwork to track orders

Unloading deliveries

Restocking shelves

Performing ad hoc warehouse cleaning duties

Finally, the ideal candidate for an Order Picker vacancy will have skills such as excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to use picking machines as well as manually picking items, knowledge of in-house databases and tracking software, the ability to work while standing for long hours coupled with being able to lift substantial weights safely.

WAREHOUSE JOBS IN THE UK

In summary, warehouse jobs are varied, interesting and offer the opportunity for growth and development. They are perfect for school leavers, people with little work experience, individuals looking to get into an industry as well as those with previous experience.

You can find out what warehouse jobs you can apply for by filling in the short form below. Then a member of the Industrial team will contact you to discuss the opportunities available to you. Furthermore, head over to our jobs page to see a list of our current job roles.

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