Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Working Life

Warehouse assistants, or Warehouse Operatives, help with the loading and unloading of goods vehicles, either by hand or using mechanical handling equipment e.g. a fork-lift truck. They check goods coming in and going out to make sure nothing is missing or damaged. Computers are often used for some tasks.  
 
When they have checked that quantity and condition of the delivered goods are correct, they sign the delivery form. If the delivery is not correct, they report the problem to the Warehouse Manager or to Purchasing or Supplies.  
 
Warehouse assistants decide where goods should be stored within the warehouse. They keep records of items stored and check the level of stocks, advising the Purchasing Officer of the need to re-order when necessary. This Stock Control may be done using a manual system or more often, a computerised one. They catalogue or label items with storage details. They are also responsible for regular stocktaking.  
 
When an order is received, warehouse assistants pick out the goods that have been ordered. They work from an order sheet and prepare and pack the goods for delivery. In some warehouses an order picker may pick the goods that have been ordered.  
 
Warehouse assistants use computers increasingly. In a small firm, a warehouse assistant may be involved with many tasks. However, in a larger warehouse, they may specialise in one or two areas of work, i.e. operating a forklift, which requires special training and licence. The Warehouse Assistant is also responsible for keeping the work area neat and hasard free.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Move freight, stock, or other materials to and from storage or production areas, loading docks, delivery vehicles, ships, or containers, by hand or using trucks, tractors, or other equipment.
• Sort cargo before loading and unloading.
• Attach identifying tags to containers or mark them with identifying information.
• Read work orders or receive oral instructions to determine work assignments or material or equipment needs.
• Stack cargo in locations, such as transit sheds or in holds of ships as directed, using pallets or cargo boards.
• Record numbers of units handled or moved, using daily production sheets or work tickets.
• Install protective devices, such as bracing, padding, or strapping, to prevent shifting or damage to items being transported.
• Direct spouts and position receptacles, such as bins, carts, or containers, so they can be loaded.
• Attach slings, hooks, or other devices to lift cargo and guide loads.
• Maintain equipment storage areas to ensure that inventory is protected.

Further Information

• Warehouse Operative- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

There are many pathways to develop key skills needed for a career in warehousing, logistics, and supply. 

key Skills Certs:

Manual Handling certificate refers to physical activities in most workplaces, and in particular when the activities involve lifting heavy objects which could result in back injury. 

REACH lifts, Forklifts, Cranes, Hoists, Winches, and loading equipment must have undertaken specific training on the equipment involved.

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: warehousing supply chain, transport logistics, distribution, supervisory management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: warehousing, logistics, supply chain, supervisory management.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Commercial Driver, Logistics Associate / Logistician, Supply Chain Associate, Supply Chain Specialist, Supply Chain Manager.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €23k - €40k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, shift pattern, location, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Excel/ Payscale/ Indeed/ Collins McNicolas/ Morgan McKinley/ Lincoln/ Clark

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Shelf fillers; Elementary sales occupations n.e.c.; Elementary storage occupations; Hospital porters; Other elementary services occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

There was a large fall in employment levels between 2021 and 2022, declining by over 9.000 persons. Employment for this occupation is across a number of roles (e.g. sales supervisors, window dressers, street traders and debt collectors).

A shift in business models, particularly to online selling, may reduce the demand for in-person sales related activities (e.g. van sales persons or window dressers) in the coming years.

• Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI)

  • Unit 1, Airport Business Park, Cloghran, Co Dublin
  • (01) 844 7516
  • Click Here

• Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Ireland

  • 1 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2
  • Freephone 1890 2525 99
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• All Ireland Warehousing Association

  • Click Here