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WAREHOUSING, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION JOBS

OVERVIEW: 

Warehousing, storage and distribution jobs are available in the manufacturing and transport and logistics industries. Staff are employed to load and unload goods from trucks for transportation and storage. They operate machinery such as forklifts, hydraulic pallet lifters and conveyor belts for moving heavy goods. In addition to receiving and dispatching goods, workers fill orders in the warehouse and keep inventories of stock.

Supervisors and managers in the transport and logistics industry oversee warehousing staff, ensuring that goods are received and stored properly. They are responsible for confirming that orders are correctly labelled and packed for delivery. Managers and supervisors plan delivery routes, allocate storage space for maximum efficiency and monitor stock levels in warehouses. They forecast labour demands and handle OH&S matters.

CURRENT VACANCIES

PROSPECTS FOR MANUFACTURING, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION JOBS:

Warehouses are used by importers, exporters, wholesalers and manufacturers for the storage of perishable goods and mass-produced items. Prospects for warehousing and storage and distribution jobs are strong due to the wide range of products that need to be stored and transported.

The transport and logistics industry impacts on every area of the economy. It facilitates a high standard of living for Australians by delivering the food and manufactured products essential for modern life. The industry generates employment in many areas, particularly warehousing which is integral to the storage and movement of goods.

According to the Australian government’s Job Outlook website, employment prospects for storepersons rose substantially over the past 10 years. There were 124, 000 people employed as storepersons in November 2015, making this a major area of employment.

This statistic indicate that demand for warehousing jobs is likely to remain strong in most regions in Australia up to 2020 and beyond. Other related jobs are also expected to have steady employment prospects over the next five years.

Click here for current job vacancies with Australia’s leading recruiter for warehouse, storage and distribution jobs. 

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS FOR WAREHOUSING, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION JOBS:

Projections from the Australian Department of Employment, 2016 to 2020. Note data is '000.

 

ASSOCIATED OCCUPATIONS:

Storeperson, Storeman, Warehouse Operator, Dispatch Hand, Order Pickers, Pick Packer, Freight Handler, Forklift Driver

DUTIES:

  • Unload goods from pallets, containers and trucks

  • Operate machinery such as forklifts and conveyor belts

  • Transport products to designated areas

  • Check delivery dockets and shipping invoices

  • Fill out shipping and receiving logs

  • Open crates and containers

  • Report any damaged goods to a supervisor

  • Sort deliveries for storage

  • Place goods on shelves or racks

  • Organise  optimise 
  • Take stock inventories on receipt and release of goods

  • Prepare storage receipts for clients

  • Generate delivery reports

  • Tag, label and mark stock items based on the storage system used in the warehouse.

  • Fill orders by retrieving items to be dispatched in keeping with the delivery schedule

  • Check products and verify they are in good condition before they are dispatched

  • Prepare orders for shipping by boxing, labeling or wrapping them following safety protocols

  • Weigh items for shipping

  • Ensure that each order is sealed and

    properly for dispatch

  • Move items to the delivery area for pick up

  • Liaise with a wide range of people including supervisors, drivers, dispatch staff and customers

  • Maintain a clean and safe work area by removing hazards and sweeping, dusting and mopping floors as needed

  • Clean and maintain tools and equipment used for unloading and storing goods

  • Accompany delivery driver to destination when needed

  • Wear correct safety equipment and follow safety protocols

PAY FOR WAREHOUSING, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION JOBS: 

The average pay rate for a warehouse worker is $20.56 per hour. Storepeople earn slightly more at $20.91 per hour. More specialised jobs in the warehousing, storage and distribution industries have higher average pay rates. Forklift operators earn an average wage of $22.53 an hour. The average wage for a warehouse manager is $56,216 per year.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR WAREHOUSING JOBS:

Formal qualifications are not required for general warehousing, storage and distribution jobs. Some positions do require a School Certificate. Beneficial school subjects for those planning to work in this area are maths and computer studies as workers may be required to calculate dimensions and use inventory software. A familiarity with databases and different computer applications is helpful.

Training in these roles takes place wholly on the job. Depending on the area they’ve been employed to work in, new starters may begin by packing and unpacking items and restocking shelves while they learn how to use the computer system and complete safety inductions. They will then be required to complete more demanding tasks as needed.

Personal attributes required in warehousing, storage and distribution jobs are:

  • Excellent listening skills. 
  • Strong organisational skills organised  prioritise 
  • High level of physical fitness
  • Good verbal communication. 
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Initiative. 

For those seeking formal education, Certificates II, II and IV in Warehousing Operations are available which provide a general qualification for the warehousing, storage and distribution and the transport and logistics industries.

Students learn about warehousing methods and occupational health and safety procedures. They gain experience with inventory systems and stock control, in addition to learning how to estimate and calculate dimensions.

There are no entry requirements for these courses. Certificates in Warehousing Operations are suitable for people seeking to gain some background knowledge and experience to improve their employment prospects. They are also beneficial for those who would like to progress to a management position, as students learn about how to lead a team.

Many warehousing, storage and distribution jobs specify the following:

  • Desired experience with inventory databases and software

  • Knowledge of warehouse practices

  • Current forklift

  • Own transport

  • Pre-employment screening for health, drugs and alcohol