A warehouse operative is responsible for handling goods and products in warehouses or distribution centres. The job involves tasks such as receiving deliveries, checking and storing stock, picking and packing orders, and loading goods for dispatch. Warehouse operatives use various equipment, including forklifts and pallet trucks, and often work as part of a team to meet tight deadlines, especially during busy periods like Christmas. The role requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to follow health and safety guidelines. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and there are opportunities to progress into supervisory or management roles.
Warehouse operatives in the UK typically earn between £19,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on location and experience.
There are over 300,000 warehouse operative jobs across the UK, with demand increasing due to the growth of online shopping.
Most warehouse operatives work 37 to 40 hours per week, often on shifts including evenings and weekends.
Operates forklifts to move goods and materials around a warehouse or storage facility, ensuring safe and efficient handling.
Manages and monitors inventory levels, checks deliveries, and ensures stock is stored correctly within the warehouse.
Receives and inspects incoming deliveries, checks them against orders, and helps organise items for storage or further distribution.
Complete secondary school education, typically with GCSEs in English and Maths.
Most warehouse employers expect you to have basic numeracy and literacy skills, which are usually demonstrated by GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in English and Maths. If you do not have these, you can take functional skills courses to meet the entry requirements.
Work on general fitness, as warehouse roles often involve lifting and moving goods.
Warehouse work can be physically demanding, requiring you to be on your feet for long periods and to lift or carry heavy items. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you prepare for these demands and minimise the risk of injury.
Look for job openings as a warehouse operative, picking and packing assistant, or similar roles.
You can search for warehouse jobs on company websites, job boards, or through recruitment agencies. Many roles are available with little or no previous experience required, especially at entry level. Temporary or seasonal positions can be a good way to start in the industry.
Learn essential warehouse tasks such as stock management, order picking, and health and safety procedures.
Most employers provide on-the-job training to ensure you understand safe working practices, how to use equipment, and the correct ways to handle goods. Pay attention to instructions and ask questions if you are unsure about any job responsibilities.
Train for and gain licences to operate warehouse machinery, such as forklifts.
Many warehouses require operatives to use forklifts or pallet trucks. You can increase your employability by completing a forklift training course and obtaining a licence, such as the RTITB or ITSSAR certification. Some employers may pay for you to take this training once you are hired.
Work towards supervisory or specialist roles, such as team leader, stock controller, or logistics coordinator.
With experience, you can take on more responsibility or move into specialist areas within the warehouse, such as inventory management or health and safety. You may also choose to pursue further training or qualifications, such as an NVQ in Warehousing and Storage, to support your career progression.
Operates lifting machinery to move goods within warehouses or storage facilities, often requiring a special licence.
Manages the movement and storage of goods, ensuring they are delivered to the right place on time.
Supports the planning and organisation of the supply chain, helping to manage orders, inventory, and deliveries.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Warehouse Operative. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
The career title 'Warehouse worker' closely matches 'Warehouse Operative' as both roles involve handling goods, stock management, packing, and organising inventory within warehouse environments. The skills and qualifications required are generally similar, focusing on physical dexterity, organisation, and adherence to safety protocols.
You can get into this job through an apprenticeship or by applying directly.
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a warehouse or depot. These include:
Apprenticeships take about one year to complete and combine on-the-job training with off-site learning.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
You can apply directly to be a warehouse worker.
Experience in warehouse, storage or delivery work can be useful.
You might not need qualifications, but some employers may want you to have GCSEs at grade 4 (C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. Some IT skills can also be helpful.
It may help when looking for work if you've done forklift training, though employers will often put you through this once you've completed your probation period with them.
Some warehouse worker jobs are temporary or seasonal.
You can find out more about careers and training in warehouse work from The Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport and Generation Logistics.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
