Warehouse operative

warehouse worker forklift driver despatch assistant
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Transport, distribution and logistics
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Career outlook for warehouse operative

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£16,000

Experienced

£24,000


Currently employed in Scotland

21,300

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would handle the goods and products in warehouse or stockroom. It would be your job to to keep them safe and make sure they are delivered to customers on time.

Your role would be important in making sure customers are not disappointed by damaged items or late deliveries.

You could be based in a warehouse, retail store or factory.

Wherever you work, you would:

  • Receive deliveries of goods and supplies
  • Check for damaged or missing items
  • Store goods
  • Move stock around by hand, using lifting gear or a forklift truck
  • Pack orders
  • Load, and sometimes deliver, goods
  • Keep records of stock
  • Keep paperwork up to date
  • Clean work areas

Understanding and following health and safety rules would be essential in this job. 

Working conditions

Hours

You would work up to 40 hours a week, usually as part of a shift system covering five to seven days. Part-time work, temporary work and overtime are often available.

Environment

Most modern warehouses are large, light and airy. Some goods, for example food or chemicals, have to be stored in special conditions, so your working environment may be different. You would wear protective clothing like overalls and safety shoes, and an insulated jacket if you work in chilled storage areas.

UK employment status

Full-time

70%

Part-time

24%

Self employed

6%

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  • Cooperating
  • Verbal communication
  • Problem solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Concentrating
  • Time management
  • Taking responsibility

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

There are no formal qualifications, but some employers may ask for qualifications in English, maths, IT or forklift truck driving. 

You could get into this role through a Modern Apprenticeship in Freight Logistics (SCQF Level 6/7). 

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • ICT subjects

You will also need

 To be physically fit.

Helpful to have

You might need IT skills. Some employers may also be looking for: 

  • a forklift truck licence
  • Scottish Vocational Qualification in Warehousing and Storage (SVQ level 2/3)

You may need normal colour vision if colour-coding systems are used to mark goods.