Warehousing, distribution and transport depend on people who count stock accurately, load safely and keep to the schedule. Many roles need no degree, and they reward those who are dependable and careful with equipment.
Common roles
- Warehouse operative or picker-packer: picking, packing and loading orders.
- Inventory clerk: stock counts, receiving goods and keeping records accurate.
- Dispatch officer: scheduling deliveries and tracking vehicles.
- Forklift operator: moving pallets, usually with a certificate.
- Fleet coordinator: planning routes and maintenance for company vehicles.
What employers check
- Physical fitness for lifting and long standing shifts.
- Flexibility on shifts, including nights and rotations. Ask for the pattern in writing.
- Safety awareness. Know the rules for equipment, walkways and manual handling.
- Basic numeracy for counts and reconciliations.
- Honesty, because stock roles often involve checks on past employment.
Certificates that help
A forklift operator certificate, first aid training and a valid driving licence for transport roles are all useful. Where a certificate is required by the employer, make sure it is current before you apply.
Stay safe on the job
Refuse to operate equipment you have not been trained on or that looks unsafe, and report incidents, however small. An employer who discourages reporting is a warning sign.
Shifts, overtime and transport
Warehouse and logistics work often runs on shifts, nights or weekend cover. Ask what the pattern is before you accept, and what the overtime rate is, because the difference in take-home pay can be large. Ask whether transport is provided for night shifts, which matters for both cost and safety.
Ask how stock counts and losses are handled. Some employers hold staff to account for shortfalls without a clear process. A written procedure, with a way to dispute a count, is a good sign that the employer is fair.
Make sure your safety kit is provided, not bought by you. Boots, gloves and a high-visibility vest are normal requirements. A job that expects you to buy your own protective equipment should be checked carefully before you start. Ask, too, who trains you on the equipment and the site rules, and whether that training is paid time.