Considering a warehouse job, but not sure what kind of career it can be?
Is it possible to build a strong, stable, and rewarding career working in a warehouse? The answer is a whole-hearted yes. While some might say that warehouse jobs are dead-end positions, the truth is that great managerial and supply chain professional jobs are available to those who pursue them. The best part is that these opportunities are wide open for those who pair the right skill sets with a proper amount of ambition. This article explains what it takes to move up the ranks while working in a warehouse.
What Skill Sets Lead to Success When Working in a Warehouse?
So what skill sets are warehouses looking for when hiring and promoting? It comes down to a mix of hard and soft skills.
Technical Skills: Those who are looking to lead in warehouses will have to keep up with changing trends, which means working with technology. Warehouse management systems, management portals, transport management systems, labour management systems, and self-service driver check-in kiosks are just a few examples of technologies that keep the modern warehouse going.
While you won’t need a computer science degree from MIT to advance in your warehouse work career, you will need a healthy appetite for learning and staying current.
Problem Solving Abilities: Are you a natural problem solver? Are you constantly trying to improve processes and achieve greater results? Is attention to detail your strong suit? You may be a natural warehouse leader.
Warehousing is a client-focussed industry that is constantly presented with new challenges. A problem-solver mindset is necessary to improve efficiency and production, optimize resources, ensure things happen on time, and address safety concerns. Continuous improvement is the goal, all in the name of customer satisfaction.
Communication Skills and Teamwork: For the same reasons listed above, communication and teamwork are essential to success in a warehouse environment. Safety and efficiency can only be accomplished collaboratively, and good leaders know how to get the most from their team. Not only does teamwork make the dream work, it’s good for employee morale, making everybody’s days a bit brighter.
How Can You Learn Warehousing Skills?
One great advantage to pursuing a career in a warehouse is that you won’t have to spend years and years racking up huge debts in post-secondary institutions. While continuous learning is definitely key, it can be accomplished in numerous ways.
Certifications: Formal certification programs are recommended for things like forklift or pallet jack operation, handling hazardous materials, and occupational safety and health administration. Some employers will provide and pay for these opportunities. The good news is that these certifications are less intensive than the years of learning that is required to advance in some other trades, making warehouse work an attractive option for those interested in swift advancement.
Learning on the Job: The best source of education for entry level workers may well be on the job training. Co-workers are often happy to share their knowledge with new hires, so be sure to pay attention to the way your colleagues meet their daily challenges.
Online Learning and Publications: A wealth of knowledge is available online and accessing it is often as simple as visiting YouTube or a chat board. Those with ambition and natural curiosity will find themselves upwardly mobile.
How Can I Move Up in My Warehouse Job?
When it comes to advancing your career in warehousing, your best advocate is you. Apply these strategies and watch your career elevate.
Networking: Working hard, working smart, asking questions, and demonstrating motivation will catch the eye of those in a position to help your career. Being a strong teammate will get you noticed.
Applying for Jobs: Keep your resume and credentials up to date and your eye on job postings. Sometimes changing companies is a good way to progress but, oftentimes, stronger advancement can be achieved internally. After all, a candidate who already knows the system is attractive for employers.
The Importance of Attitude
When it comes to key success factors in your warehousing career, last but certainly not least is a good attitude.
Unlike some other industries, warehouse success is not achieved through extensive scholastic careers or family ties. The fact of the matter is that some entry level warehouse workers simply don’t have their eyes on a larger prize. What does that mean for you? It means that if you demonstrate a thirst for knowledge and a strong desire to achieve, you will be able to stand out. As a result, a successful warehousing career is yours for the taking.
Are you looking to find success in the warehouse industry?
Canadian Alliance may have an opportunity for you.