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Shelf filler

Alternative titles for this job include Stock assistant, shelf stacker, customer assistant

Shelf fillers put stock out on supermarket shelves and in display cabinets. They also remove out of date items and help customers.

Average salary (a year)

£14,000 Starter

to

£19,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 variable

You could work

nights on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a shelf filler

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You can get into this job by doing a college course like:

  • Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge
  • Level 2 Certificate in Retail Skills

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can start by doing a retailer intermediate apprenticeship.

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 permanent or seasonal jobs. There are no set entry requirements although some employers may ask for GCSEs in maths and English. Experience in retail will also be helpful but not always essential.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • 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

You could:

  • move stock cages or boxes from stores or freezer rooms
  • replace products on shelves, racks or in chiller cabinets
  • set up product displays
  • remove out of date or damaged items
  • check that shelf labelling is correct
  • take bulk packaging like boxes away for recycling
  • direct customers to particular items in the store
  • keep work areas neat and tidy

Working environment

You could work at a store.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and cool.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a stockroom supervisor, or train to work as a checkout operator, visual merchandiser or shift manager.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Retail Sales Apprentice

  • Wage: £13,000.00 Annually
  • Location: COVENTRY

Apprentice Parts Advisor - Steven Eagell Toyota - Solihull

  • Wage: £10,982.40 Annually
  • Location: Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Retail Knowledge NCFE Award level 1

  • Provider: LEICESTER COLLEGE
  • Start date: 29 January 2025
  • Location: Leicester

Business - Award in Retail Knowledge - Level 1

  • Provider: CROYDON LONDON BOROUGH COUNCIL
  • Start date: 10 January 2024
  • Location: Thornton Heath
Find courses near you

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