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 the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£308
Entry level
£462
Experienced
Monthly
£1,333
Entry level
£2,000
Experienced
Yearly
£16,000
Entry level
£24,000
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
Environment
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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.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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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