Stock control assistant

You could start by doing a retailer or warehouse operative intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could work in a shop, parts department or distribution depot and move into stock control through internal promotion.

You'll usually need GCSEs in English and maths to apply directly for jobs. Experience in retail or warehouse work may give you an advantage.

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• active listening skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• making sure paperwork is correctly filled out
• checking stock levels and ordering new stock
• updating stock information on computer systems
• receiving deliveries
• moving stock with a forklift truck
• making sure orders are despatched on time
• answering customer enquiries online, over the phone and face-to-face
• carrying out spot checks and audits

You could work in a stock room or in a warehouse.