Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations

Workers in distribution, warehousing and storage are essential to all other industries, as they are relied upon to deliver goods safely and on time.

If you work in this area, you will be involved in a whole range of activities from receiving, storing and sending out goods, to stock-taking and fork-lift truck driving. An Apprenticeship in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations will give you the skills and knowledge to do your job well and develop a career in the sector.

During your Apprenticeship, you could be working in one of a range of jobs including Warehouse Operative, Administrative Assistant, Fork Lift Truck Operator and Transport Clerk.  Once you’ve completed the course, you could move on to get wider experience in another area of the industry. You’ll also be in a great position to progress to team leader or supervisor during your career.

During your Apprenticeship,

You will be responsible for:

• The movement of goods in and out of the warehouse
• Helping to load and unload delivery vehicles
• Dealing with customer queries politely and efficiently
• Picking goods from around the warehouse to make up orders
• Packing up orders for deliveries
• Organising bulk orders for distribution
• Stock-taking
• Using computerised stock control systems

You will gain:

• ICT skills involved in sourcing, monitoring and processing goods
• Knowledge of planning routes, timings and methods of transportation
• An understanding the different methods of handling, storing, packing and moving goods, both mechanised and manual
• Knowledge of stock handling, monitoring, presenting, ordering and delivering
• Experience of supervisory and management skills
• Knowledge of Health and Safety and security issues

You will achieve:

• NVQ Level 2 (Apprenticeship) or Level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeship) in Storage & Warehousing
• Key Skills Level 1 (Apprenticeship) or Level 2 (Advanced Apprenticeship) in Application of Number and Communication and two additional Key Skills for the Advanced Apprenticeship 
• Advanced Apprentices will gain certificates in two further areas such as Customer Service or International Trade Services
• An understanding of Health and Safety issues in the workplace
• Employment Responsibilities and Rights

YMCA Training will:

• Give you a full induction so you are prepared to start your Apprenticeship
• Help you to find a job in which you can work towards the Apprenticeship, if you are not already employed in a relevant role
• Visit you regularly to assess your progress and observe you in the workplace
• Provide the appropriate off the job training
• Support and guide you throughout your course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeships

If you would like to become an Apprentice in Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations, you will need to have a reasonable level of literacy and numeracy skills. You also need to be:

• Enthusiastic and interested in the job role, with a desire to succeed within the industry
• Willing to learn and apply that learning in the workplace
• Able to work on your own initiative
• Punctual
• Reliable and flexible in your approach to the work
• Able to carry out basic calculations
• A good communicator
• Able to work well as part of a team
• Willing to work in shift patterns associated with 24/7 operations

Advanced Apprenticeships

For an Advanced Apprenticeship you either need to have completed the Apprenticeship, or be able to show that you have skills and knowledge at the level required to achieve an Apprenticeship.

You should have a good level of literacy and numeracy and in addition to the qualities required for an Apprenticeship, you should also be:

• Self-disciplined
• Confident and able to take responsibility and guide others

Course length:

The course is flexible so that you can take the time you need to achieve the different elements. Most people take between 12-14 months to complete the Apprenticeship and around 18 months to finish the Advanced Apprenticeship.

An Apprentice’s view:

“I am able to work in the industry and gain qualifications at the same time with the support of my Employer/Placement Provider and my Training Adviser.”

Mathew, A Distribution, Warehousing and Storage Operations Apprentice

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