Warehousing and Distribution Jobs Education and Training

Learn the skills needed for warehousing and distribution jobs

By Terri Deno
Warehousing employment and distribution employment opportunities require a specific set of skills and training, depending on the position. Most warehousing and distribution jobs require an employee to have safety training, forklift training and possibly certification to drive shipment vehicles.

Careers in distribution and warehousing are available through many companies, some of which offer in-house training opportunities. Other training opportunities come from government and industry organizations. There are many positions a person can train for, including logistics and data warehousing jobs. To get the best training, look for warehousing and distribution jobs education and training through:

1. Certification programs that provide skills for jobs in distribution.

2. Safety training to work in a warehouse or distribution plant.

3. Online training opportunities.

 

Train to get the necessary certifications for logistics and warehousing jobs

There are many types of training programs available for specific machinery related to warehouse and distribution. Most warehouse and distribution jobs can provide on-site training and certification opportunities, but those looking for a job in distribution can also train with other organizations that offer machine training.
Try: SafetyIsUs offers forklift certification for employees, plus options for training a forklift operator to serve as a company's forklift in-house trainer. Safety Trainers offers Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance certified instructor training. Send one person who can come back to the warehouse and teach other employees.

Explore safety training opportunities for a warehousing job

All employees working in warehousing and distribution need to complete some type of safety training that applies to their particular job. Anyone working with warehousing vehicles, such as forklifts, needs vehicle safety training. At warehouses that provide services to the food or hazardous materials industries, employees need to have materials handling safety training. Many of these programs are available in DVD format for customized on-site training.
Try: J.J. Keller & Associates provides a video training program for loading dock and warehouse safety. The Training Network offers DVD training programs that include topics on warehouse vehicle safety, materials handling and operations safety.

Take advantage of written resources for warehousing and distributor jobs

Online training opportunities are another way to find materials for employees who work in warehousing and distribution. Resources may include training courses, videos and user guides to operating specific machinery. The focus of the materials may be safety, operations or prep courses for certification tests.
Try: Therapak provides materials handling training for warehouses and distribution centers that work specifically with medical supplies. InventoryOps rates many book titles used to educate and train those who work in warehousing and logistics.

 

  • Many distribution careers require employees to certified to operate vehicles, or in materials handling practices. Make sure your employees stay up to date with certification and attend recertification classes as needed.