What does a Warehouse Worker do?
Warehouse Workers form part of a warehouse team and can take on a variety of roles. Some Warehouse Workers, for instance, receive incoming shipments which involves quality checking and confirming that everything received was in good order. In contrast, Forklift Operators move incoming goods to assigned storage spaces and transport outgoing goods to a loading dock for shipments. These employees work in a wide variety of settings and handle many different products. The job can range from handling meat in a chilled environment to working with pharmaceutical products in sterile conditions, or being outdoors for most of the day.
Warehouse Worker skills and qualifications
Apart from handling goods, the job of a Warehouse Worker also involves interaction with people throughout their working day. Whether they’re accepting delivery of shipments, liaising with co-workers or reporting to Warehouse Managers, these employees need good interpersonal skills to succeed at their job. They also require good communication skills, including the ability to actively listen to others and clearly relay information. A successful Warehouse Worker will have various other prerequisite skills and qualifications, which typically include:
- Physical strength, fitness and dexterity, as they often have to lift heavy packages or work at elevated heights
- Excellent team-working skills to effectively collaborate with other members of a warehouse team
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Computer literacy, including knowing how to use scanners and relevant software programs, such as warehouse management systems
- Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills to coordinate large volumes of goods
- Honesty and trustworthiness
- The ability to work effectively under limited supervision
Warehouse Worker experience requirements
The level of experience a Warehouse Worker needs depends on the position. Employers may be willing to take on candidates with no previous experience for certain positions. In such instances, candidates will typically receive comprehensive on-the-job training. In contrast, other positions, such as Forklift Operators or Material Handlers, require candidates with experience in working with forklifts and other warehouse machinery. Some employers may ask for previous experience in a warehouse setting. This may include experience in dealing with high-volume operations and knowledge of inventory control procedures.
Warehouse Worker education and training requirements
Employers often require that candidates have a few GCSEs, including English and maths, to prove they have the necessary literacy and numeracy skills for the job. Candidates can gain valuable skills and knowledge in this field through a Supply Chain Warehouse Worker intermediate apprenticeship. There are also many professional qualifications these employees can pursue. The Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport (CILT), for instance, offers many relevant qualifications. These include a Level 2 Diploma in Warehousing and Storage or a Level 3 Award in Warehousing. Forklift Operators will likely need to obtain an FLT license.
Warehouse Worker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Warehouse Worker in the UK is £9.86 per hour. Salaries vary depending on factors like location and position.
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