Yard Person
What is the work like?
As a yard person or yard operative, you could work in a road haulage depot, retail distribution centre, construction supplier or in a factory warehouse. Your duties would usually include:
- loading and unloading delivery vehicles by hand or with a forklift truck
- sorting and grading stock
- moving supplies to storage areas
- picking and packing orders
- keeping work areas clean and tidy
- answering questions from customers.
As a yard supervisor or manager, you would have extra responsibilities, such as:
- organising staff shift rotas and workloads
- stock checking
- serving customers
- dealing with order payments
- checking customer orders are completed properly and on time
- staff training
- health and safety.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
It may be helpful if you have some experience of warehouse or manual work, and a forklift truck licence could also give you an advantage. Although qualifications may not be necessary, some employers could ask for GCSEs in subjects such as maths and English, or equivalent qualifications.
You may also be able to start this type of work by joining an Apprenticeship scheme with a distribution centre, building supplier or factory warehouse. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
You are normally trained in the workplace, under the supervision of a yard manager and an experienced yard operative. Many companies will put you through forklift training after a few weeks, if you do not already have a licence.
You may be able to work towards NVQ levels 2 and 3 in Storage and Warehousing. For more information about this qualification, visit the Skills for Logistics website.
If you progress to supervisor level, your company may give you the opportunity to train for management qualifications.
Where can I go for more information?
14 Warren YardWarren Farm Office Village
Stratford Road
Milton Keynes
MK12 5NW
Tel: 0870 242 7314
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Yard operatives usually earn between £11,000 and £16,000 a year.
- Operatives with forklift or delivery duties could earn between £15,000 and £18,000.
- Yard supervisors can earn up to £20,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your normal working week would be around 37 to 40 hours, which could include working shifts and some weekends.
You would be outside in all weather conditions and it may get dusty and dirty, especially in a building supplies yard. Your job could be physically demanding, with some heavy lifting at times.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a good level of fitness
- good product knowledge
- teamworking skills and the ability to work alone
- communication and customer care skills
- good maths and English skills
- an awareness of health and safety issues.
What opportunities are there?
You can find work as a yard person across the country. Jobs are advertised in the local press and Jobcentre Plus. You could also apply directly to local firms.
With experience, you could gain promotion to yard or warehouse supervisor and from there, become a yard manager.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
Jobcentre Plus
Builders Merchants Journal
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
