Role Description

1. Entry requirements

There are no set requirements, but practical skills in English and maths will help with your training. Experience working in a warehouse could also help you get a job.

You must be over 18 to work in a port.

You’ll need a forklift licence. Your employer can usually arrange training for this. The Accrediting Bodies Association - Workplace Transport (ABA) has details of members who accredit training.

Some jobs may ask for a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card.

You could to get into this job through an apprenticeship.

2. Skills required

You'll need:

practical skills

the ability to put things in order

accuracy and attention to detail

3. What you'll do

You could work at any site that has goods going in and out. This could be a warehouse, a storage facility, a factory, a construction site, an airport or docks.

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

checking equipment daily and using it safely

loading and unloading goods from lorries, ships or aircraft

using radio frequency equipment to keep in touch with other staff

manually handling goods when necessary

stacking goods and moving them around in storage bays

picking and packing orders

completing paperwork for delivery notes and stock control

You'll need to follow personal and protective equipment (PPE) requirements and health and safety regulations.

4. Salary

Starter: £17,000

Experienced: £22,000 to £28,000

You may earn extras like a bonus or shift allowance.

These figures are a guide.

5. Working hours, patterns and environment

You'll usually work 40 to 48 hours a week. Shift work is common.

You'll work indoors and outdoors.

The job is physically demanding.

6. Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a shift supervisor or team leader. With further training, you could work as a forklift instructor or maintenance engineer.

You could also become a warehouse manager.

You could move into industries like construction (construction plant operator) or logistics (lorry driver).