Roles in the warehousing, freight and logistics sectors are in high demand. Although some advanced businesses have automated and robotic systems in place, there is still an incredible amount of scope for you to build your career in warehousing.
Working in a warehouse as a forklift driver is a common entry point to a career in the logistics sector, offering an enjoyable, rewarding job for people that enjoy physical work and being part of a team.
Forklift drivers operate various types of forklifts including counterbalance, reach trucks and high reach forklifts. These are used to stack, unstack, or shift items in warehouses, factories or building sites. If you’re considering working as a forklift driver in a warehouse or distribution centre, there are a few skills and qualifications that will put you head and shoulders above the rest.
Hot tip:
The most important thing to have is the necessary license: holding a forklift ticket is an essential part of many warehouse roles. Get your forklift licence the easy way by taking a forklift training course with Kallibr Training (RTO 32365).
Key skills for warehousing careers
Teamwork
Being able to work as part of a team is essential to being an effective warehouse worker. Many of your day to day tasks will require you to work well with others as you load and unload containers and trucks, transport goods to designated areas and pick orders for customers.
Communication
Being a good communicator is also very important to ensure you succeed as a forklift driver or warehouse worker.
Communicating clearly with coworkers, customers, suppliers, truck drivers and your internal sales team will ensure that processes run smoothly and orders don’t get picked and packed incorrectly.
Willingness to learn
Like many careers, a learning mindset comes in handy. Being open to change, willing to learn new things and performing duties that are outside your usual job description will make you a well-respected part of your team.
Many warehouse environments can be fast-paced and often tasks need to be performed at short notice, which can be stressful if you are too set in your ways. Keeping an open mind and being willing to learn will see you progress in your career in warehousing and logistics.
Start your career as a forklift driver
The first step to becoming a forklift driver and beginning your warehousing career is to do a forklift course that covers all the requirements for obtaining a national High Risk Work Licence (Class LF) for forklifts.
Successfully completing this course will allow you to operate any forklift within Australia. Kallibr Training runs weekly forklift courses in Sydney and Brisbane – find the next intake dates in your area on our forklift ticket information page.
