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Warehouse operative

Keep the goods and products in a warehouse or stockroom safe and make sure they reach customers on time.

Also known as: warehouse worker, forklift driver, despatch assistant

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£365

Entry level

£577

Experienced

Monthly

£1,583

Entry level

£2,500

Experienced

Yearly

£19,000

Entry level

£30,000

Experienced

21,700

people are currently employed

Low growth

900 fewer jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would handle the goods and products in warehouse or stockroom. It would be your job 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.

Your tasks might include:

  • receiving deliveries of goods and supplies

  • checking for damaged or missing items

  • storing goods

  • moving stock around by hand, using lifting gear or a forklift truck

  • packing orders

  • loading and sometimes delivering goods

  • keeping records of stock

  • keeping paperwork up to date

  • cleaning work areas

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

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.

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  • Transport
  • Food and drink
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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • taking responsibility
  • time management
  • concentrating
  • attention to detail
  • problem solving
  • verbal communication
  • cooperating

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.

You don't need to study any specific subjects to do this job. It's more important that you have relevant skills and experience.

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). 

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.

To be physically fit.

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