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A warehouse worker receives, organises, and ships goods, making sure everything runs smoothly and using special equipment and computers when needed.
What do they do?
What do they do?
Receive Goods
Receive Goods
Accepting and processing stock and materials.
Store and Organise
Store and Organise
Organising and storing goods in the correct area of the warehouse.
Fill Orders
Fill Orders
Picking and filling orders from stored stock.
Prepare for Shipping
Prepare for Shipping
Packing and preparing orders for shipping.
Manage Stock Levels
Manage Stock Levels
Managing and finding stock, and performing warehouse checks on stock levels.
Operate equipment
Operate equipment
Using special equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
Use Computers
Use Computers
Working with computer systems to track stock levels and process orders.
Work Quickly and Accurately
Work Quickly and Accurately
Making sure everything runs soothly.
What skills are needed?
What skills are needed?
Reliability: Arriving on time and ready for shifts.
Physical Stamina: Being strong and fit to handle repetitive tasks.
Attention to Detail: Keeping orders and stock levels accurate.
Safety Awareness: Following safety rules and practices closely.
Teamwork: Working well with others in the warehouse.
Communication Skills: Clearly sharing information and coordinating with the team.
Adaptability: Being able to handle changes and work in a fast-paced setting.
Basic Math Skills: Using simple math for counting and calculations.
Organisation: Keeping the workspace tidy.
Willingness to Learn: Being open to learning new skills and taking on more tasks.
Warehouse Technology Familiarity: Knowing how to use common warehouse tools like RF scanners.
Where do they work?
Where do they work?
Manufacturing Plants are buildings where raw materials and finished products are kept. Workers receive, store, and send out these items to keep the manufacturing process running smoothly.
Manufacturing Plants are buildings where raw materials and finished products are kept. Workers receive, store, and send out these items to keep the manufacturing process running smoothly.
Distribution Centers are buildings where goods are sent from different suppliers. Warehouse workers prepared orders for shipment to different locations, and make sure products arrive on time.
Distribution Centers are buildings where goods are sent from different suppliers. Warehouse workers prepared orders for shipment to different locations, and make sure products arrive on time.
Retail Warehouses hold goods that will be sent to shops or directly to customers. Workers manage stock, fill customer orders, and prepare them to be shipped to retail shops and customers.
Retail Warehouses hold goods that will be sent to shops or directly to customers. Workers manage stock, fill customer orders, and prepare them to be shipped to retail shops and customers.
Climate-Controlled Warehouses are buildings that store food or sensitive items. Workers in these settings must understand how to handle items properly to avoid spoilage or damage.
Climate-Controlled Warehouses are buildings that store food or sensitive items. Workers in these settings must understand how to handle items properly to avoid spoilage or damage.
How to become a Warehouse Worker
How to become a Warehouse Worker
Step 1. Decide if its the right job for you
Step 1. Decide if its the right job for you
+ Pros and Cons
+ Pros and Cons
WHY CHOOSE THIS JOB?
WHY CHOOSE THIS JOB?
Warehousing is important for lots of businesses so there are regular job opportunities.
Warehousing is important for lots of businesses so there are regular job opportunities.
You can often find casual work relatively quickly through Labour Hire companies and there are low entry requirements.
You can often find casual work relatively quickly through Labour Hire companies and there are low entry requirements.
The role involves different activities, such as packing, sorting, and inventory management, which can keep the job interesting.
The role involves different activities, such as packing, sorting, and inventory management, which can keep the job interesting.
Working with a team can create a supportive and social work environment.
Working with a team can create a supportive and social work environment.
You can gain skills in areas like logistics, inventory management, and using warehouse technology
You can gain skills in areas like logistics, inventory management, and using warehouse technology
Many warehouse jobs offer higher pay rates and benefits, especially if you work at night and on weekends
Many warehouse jobs offer higher pay rates and benefits, especially if you work at night and on weekends
THINGS TO CONSIDER
THINGS TO CONSIDER
It can be physically demanding and involve long periods standing, lifting, and repetitive movements. You will probably need a medical assessment (this isn't the job for you if you have injuries).
It can be physically demanding and involve long periods standing, lifting, and repetitive movements. You will probably need a medical assessment (this isn't the job for you if you have injuries).
You might need to work irregular hours, including nights or weekends.
You might need to work irregular hours, including nights or weekends.
Warehouses are often located far from public transport (you may need a car, especially if you are working at night).
Warehouses are often located far from public transport (you may need a car, especially if you are working at night).
The job can be repetitive, which might become boring for some people.
The job can be repetitive, which might become boring for some people.
There is a risk of injury from lifting heavy items or operating machinery, so safety is important. Because of this you usually need good English skills.
There is a risk of injury from lifting heavy items or operating machinery, so safety is important. Because of this you usually need good English skills.
Jobs are often casual and seasonal and work can be irregular and unstable.
Jobs are often casual and seasonal and work can be irregular and unstable.
+ Self asssessment
+ Self asssessment
Begin by assessing your suitability for working in warehousing, considering your physical fitness, attention to detail, availability for shift work, comfort with repetitive tasks, safety awareness, and teamwork skills:
Do you you have the right skills for the job?
Are you willing and able to complete the educational requirements? (See Education and Training below)
Are you able to pass the checks required? (See Checks below)
Do you have the English and computer skills for the job? Are you able and willing to work on them? (See Other Skills below)
Step 2. Prepare for the job
Step 2. Prepare for the job
+ Education and training
+ Education and training
Employers often prefer you to have completed High School however there are no training requirements to work in warehouses. Most skills are learned on the job but employers often look for people who have worked in a warehouse before and know how to use RF Scanners. A Forklift Licence is also useful.
Depending on your career goals, your training could include a:
Forklift Licence - short course delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
White Card - day course delivered by RTOs and Colleges
Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations (Warehousing Operations): This course helps develop specialised skills or enhance your existing skillset in the supply chain and logistics industry.
Certificate IV in Supply Chain Operations (Warehousing): This prepares you for a supervisory or leadership role in the industry.
SUBSIDISED COURSES
Certificate III courses offered by TAFE and RTOs are generally subsidised (free) for people seeking asylum.
ASC can refer you to free White Card Training.
REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS
Sydney East Community College (White Card)
+ Experience
+ Experience
Volunteer or Gain Experience: Charities often have large warehouses where you can get work experience.
Salvos Store, Oz Harvest, FoodBank, NSW Volunteering
Stepping Stone Jobs: Most Warehouse Assistants start in casual jobs through Labour Hire companies.
+ Other skills
+ Other skills
Language Support: You will need enough English skills to understand safety requirements and instructions. Seek out English language courses or programs to improve your language skills. We can help you find a class that meets your needs.
Computer Support: You will need basic skills in using a computer. We can help you with computer tuition. Ask for a referral through the Asylum Seekers Centre.
Step 3. Look for work
Step 3. Look for work
+ Prepare your resume
+ Prepare your resume
Your resume needs to highlight your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Keep it clear and straightforward, and consider having it reviewed by a fluent English speaker for accuracy. Online translation programs are also a good way to check if your language is clear.
+ Prepare for interviews
+ Prepare for interviews
Practise answering common interview questions and seek help from a language tutor or mentor if needed:
Why do you want to work in a warehouse? -Be honest and focus on your transferrable skills like working in a team, being organised etc.
How do you handle repetitive tasks and maintain accuracy in your work? Mention strategies you use to stay focused and accurate and give examples.
What steps do you take to ensure safety while working in a warehouse? Share your knowledge of safety requirements and give examples of how you stay safe in the workplace.
How do you prioritise tasks in a fast-paced warehouse environment? Describe how you manage your work and time, and give examples of how you’ve handled high-pressure situations in the past.
Can you give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem at work? How did you handle it? Give a specific example of a problem, your approach to solving it, and the outcome, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
Describe a time when you had to work as part of a team. What was your role and how did you contribute? Share examples of successful team projects, your specific role, and how you helped to achieving the team’s goals.
How do you ensure accuracy when picking and packing orders? Talk about your methods for keeping work accurate, including any practices or tools you use.
+ Build your networks
+ Build your networks
Ask friends and family if they know anyone working in Warehousing. Join groups or Associations related to Warehousing. Networking can help you learn about job opportunities and improve your language skills.
+ Register with Warehousing recruiters
+ Register with Warehousing recruiters
Search for Recruitment and Labour Hire companies specialising in warehouse roles.
+ Checks
+ Checks
You will usually need the following certificates and checks:
Forklift Licence (desirable) - is required for some warehouse roles. This involves taking a training course and passing a test.
White Card - Construction Induction Card (desirable) - may be needed if the warehouse environment involves construction activities. This training covers safety on construction sites.
Police Check - is needed to make sure you have a clear criminal record. Your employer may provide this if you are offered a job.
Health and Safety Certifications - may be required if the warehouse deals with hazardous materials or operates heavy machinery.
Medical Clearance - is generally needed for warehouse roles to make sure you are physically able to work safely.
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