Warehouse Operatives work in a variety of warehouse environments. Work activities include taking deliveries, checking for damaged/missing items, storing goods, moving stock by various methods, picking/packing orders, loading goods for dispatch, maintaining stock records and documentation, and cleaning.

They are required to safely use a range of equipment, machinery and vehicles, as relevant to their role and setting. This could include mechanical racking  systems, materials handling equipment (MHE) or fork lift trucks.

Warehouse Operatives communicate with a wide range of people and customers. They have a passion to meet customers’ expectations by providing a quality service that encourages repeat business.

Individuals in this role are highly competent in using industry-recognised systems and associated services (eg Traffic/Warehouse Management Systems) and will be able to work under pressure to tight deadlines. A Warehouse Operative will often be required to be flexible and work shifts including 4-on-4-off, days, nights, evenings and weekends.

Entry requirements
Apprentices without Level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for Level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Course Content
Apprentices need to complete 20% off-the-job training during the on-programme phase of their apprenticeship. Specific rules govern this and it must take place in the apprentice’s contracted hours. Throughout you will be taught and assessed by the following knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Knowledge

  • Safe driving and/or operating techniques to standard and as trained
  • Steps to take to minimise the effect their work (and the wider industry) has on the environment
  • Safe use of equipment and machinery
  • Use of warehouse systems and processes relating to packaging, moving and receiving stock
  • Basic IT applications and other relevant technology and systems, including warehousing management, data capture, radio and barcoding systems to ensure the safe and efficient processing of goods.
  • Relevant regulation and legislation
  • Effective communication with customers
  • Structure of the industry
  • The importance of delivering excellent customer service to customers and colleagues
  • Vision, objectives and brand of the organisation
  • Proposed and actual changes to systems, processes and technology used in the industry
  • How their role can affect their health and the need to maintain a level of fitness appropriate to the needs of
  • their role

Skills

  • Operate and handle equipment safely and efficiently as required for their role
  • Comply with appropriate rules, regulations and processes for safely and efficiently moving, handling, packing and unpacking different items
  • Work individually and as part of a team to safely move and handle objects
  • Safely and efficiently load and unload items into and from vehicles, buildings, containers, lift vans, crates and/or boxes
  • Select, prepare and use packaging materials appropriate to the job efficiently and in a way which reduces waste, costs and environmental impact
  • Use correct equipment and procedures to record receiving or stowing goods; produce relevant paperwork or
  • labelling processes
  • promote the values of the organisation; communicate effectively with customers and colleagues to identify and meet their needs
  • Work effectively in a warehousing team
  • Use IT applications and other relevant technology and systems, including warehousing management, data capture, radio and barcoding systems, to ensure the safe and efficient processing of goods

Behaviour

  • Demonstrate integrity, credibility, honesty, positivity and personal drive in every aspect of their role;
  • Take ownership for own performance and training
  • Adapt to and embrace the use of relevant technology, systems and equipment

The Assessment Process
As part of your apprenticeship you will be assessed on your on-programme learning on the work you carry pout for your employer. Three months before the end of  your apprenticeship you will under go a end point assessment this will be made up of two elements;

A Knowledge and Behaviours Test
The knowledge test will include enough questions to assess the apprentice’s understanding of all knowledge based learning outcomes.

A practical assessments
The practical assessment will be observed by an independent assessor who will make a judgement on whether the apprentice is competent to carry out the practical aspects of their job role.

Further Information
Please visit the institute of apprenticeships website for more information and a full break down of what will be involved in your course.

Contact us:
Lisa Holland
Telephone: 01642 727593
Email: lisa_holland@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Paul Greatorex
Telephone: 01642 728739
Email: Paul_Greatorex@middlesbrough.gov.uk