What is a warehouse assistant?
Warehouse assistants control the flow of stock through a warehouse, monitoring goods in and out, safely and efficiently moving and handling items and keeping stock records. They are usually responsible for receiving and sending goods to and from the warehouse. Warehouse Assistants must be physically fit and able to lift and move stock in a safe manner.
How to become a warehouse assistant?
You may be able to do an intermediate apprenticeship for warehouse operatives, depending on where you work.
For the entry requirements, you’ll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
You can apply directly for order picking jobs. Some employers may ask for GCSEs in maths and English, or you might have to do a short test at an interview to check your practical skills.
Computer skills will also be useful for using online sales systems and stock control scanners.
Warehouse assistant duties
Warehouse assistant duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty, but some responsibilities are common to most:
- Compliance with security procedures and health & safety
- Maintain the warehouse in a tidy state and clearing away packing material and debris
- Use computerised systems, barcode scanners and other technology to record goods movement
- Checking for damaged or missing items and then sorting stock for storage in the warehouse
- Perform inventory controls and keep quality standards high for audits
- Communicate and cooperate with supervisors and coworkers
- Preserves safe and clean work environment by keeping shelves, pallet area, and workstations neat
- Maintain truck or van by completing preventive maintenance requirements and arranging for repairs
Warehouse assistant skills
To be an effective warehouse assistant, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:
- Teamwork
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the job
- Data entry skills
- Problem solving skills
- Flexible and willing take on a variety of tasks
- Dependability
How to find a warehouse assistant job
These jobs are advertised online, in local newspapers and at your local jobcentre. To find all the warehouse assistant jobs near you, you need to:
- Search for warehouse assistant jobs on popular job websites such as; Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library
- Use the DWP’s Find A Job Service
- Check local newspapers and local Facebook groups, especially groups dedicated to local jobs
Warehouse Assistant Job Titles
When you search for warehouse assistant jobs online, be aware that the jobs might be advertised using a different job title. Popular job titles for warehouse assistant jobs include;
- Warehouse Worker
- Warehouse Associate
- Picker / Packer
- Order Picker
- Order Assembler
What does a warehouse assistant do?
The job of a warehouse assistant varies depending on the job role and the company you’re working for. Check the duties and responsibilities of warehouse assistant job advertisements to find jobs that best suit your skills and experience.
The day-to-day tasks of a warehouse assistant include;
- pick items from stock to match the customer’s order sheet
- use voice-activated picking machines and hand scanners
- put items into a trolley or carrier to be sent for packing
- check product quality
- choose suitable replacements where stock has sold out
- pack items ready for dispatch, if you work in a small warehouse
- update customer records on computer systems
- help customers if working in-store