1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Order picker

Order picker

Alternative titles for this job include Order assembler, warehouse assistant

Order pickers select all the things on a customer's order and send them to be packed and dispatched.

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£23,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

How to become an order picker

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an intermediate apprenticeship for warehouse operatives, depending on where you work.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly for order picking jobs. Some employers may ask for GCSEs in maths and English, or you might have to do a short test at interview to check your practical skills.

Computer skills will also be useful for using online sales systems and stock control scanners.

More Information

Career tips

You may find it useful for some jobs if you've done forklift truck training.

Further information

Order picker jobs can often be temporary or part-time and sometimes available through an agency.

You can find out more about warehouse work from the United Kingdom Warehousing Association.

What it takes

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to read English
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • concentration skills
  • maths knowledge
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • pick items from stock to match the customer's order sheet
  • use voice-activated picking machines and hand scanners
  • put items into a trolley or carrier to be sent for packing
  • check product quality
  • choose suitable replacements where stock has sold out
  • pack items ready for dispatch, if you work in a small warehouse
  • update customer records on computer systems
  • help customers if working in-store

Working environment

You could work in a warehouse or at a store.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and cold.

Career path and progression

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a shift supervisor then move into section or warehouse management.

You could also become a delivery or forklift truck driver with additional training.

Current opportunities

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Supply Chain Warehouse Apprentice LS985

  • Wage: £187.50 Weekly
  • Location: St Helens

Warehouse Operative Apprentice

  • Wage: £146.25 Weekly
  • Location: Gateshead
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Certificate in Warehousing and Storage

  • Provider: PORTULL TRAINING SERVICES LTD
  • Start date: 01 October 2021
  • Location:

Warehousing and Storage Principles

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 13 September 2021
  • Location: Waterlooville
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Search further careers

Related careers

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

Call 0800 100 900 or use webchat

  • 8am - 8pm Monday - Friday
  • 10am - 5pm Saturday

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.