Upskilling your way to success: Increasing your earning potential in the warehousing industry

The warehousing industry is a critical player across the globe, and here in Australia, it is a fast-moving and growing sector with many job opportunities and career paths. If you want to get ahead (and increase your salary) in the industry, it’s important to expand your skill set and knowledge base – or ‘upskill’.

If you’re working in the warehousing industry, here are some ways you might go about it.

1.    Learn about new warehousing technology

Warehousing technology is rapidly evolving, and learning about it can help you advance in the industry. Consider learning about technologies like:

• Radio frequency identification (RFID)
• Warehouse management system (WMS) software
• Automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS)
• Materials handling equipment and technology
• Robotics and automation

You can start by learning more about these online and talking to co-workers in more senior roles about what tech your warehouse is using – or thinking about using. You may then want to take courses or learn on the job to upskill, and it’s worth letting your HR team know that you’re interested in the space.

2.    Build management and leadership skills

Even in technical fields like warehousing, soft skills matter. Developing these skills can improve your job performance and open doors to more senior positions as your career progresses.

If you are interested in a management pathway, it’s essential to develop skills like:

• Conflict resolution
• Decision-making
• Strategic planning
• Staff management
• Communication and teamwork

3.    Gain work health and safety (WHS) certification

Health and safety training is essential in the warehousing industry, and gaining WHS certifications can be a great way to expand your skills.

Depending on the industry subset you’re in, you might consider one (or more) of the following:

• Handling hazardous materials
• Operating heavy machinery
• Emergency procedures and first aid
• Workplace health and safety regulation compliance

4.    Speak to your supervisor or HR about your goals

If you are interested in advancing your career in the warehousing industry, let the appropriate person know about your goals. Depending on your workplace, that might be your supervisor, an HR person or (if you are already a National Workforce candidate) your consultant. These people can often guide you on where and how to upskill to reach that next level and let you know when potential job opportunities arise.