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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

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Cutting and Warehouse Operative

  • Wage: £228.00 Weekly
  • Location: Ilkeston

Warehouse Operator Apprentice

  • Wage: £136.50 Weekly
  • Location: Hull
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Warehousing and Storage - Level 1 Certificate

  • Provider: PRESTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 22 November 2021
  • Location: PRESTON

Warehousing and Storage Level 2

  • Provider: EALING, HAMMERSMITH & WEST LONDON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 August 2022
  • Location:
Find courses near you

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