Make it big - Get started as a warehouse worker even without training

Would you like a job as a warehouse worker, but don't feel like starting an apprenticeship? No problem, because that is now also possible.

To be able to work as a warehouse worker, you usually need to have completed training as a warehouse specialist. Trainees spend two years learning theoretical knowledge at vocational school while gaining practical experience in the company. The training lasts two years. Following this, another year of training can be added to become a warehouse logistics specialist.

However, there is now more than just one way to become a warehouse worker. Due to the shortage of skilled workers, a lateral entry into the profession of warehouse employee is also possible and common. So instead of being a logistics specialist without training, you can start out as a warehouse clerk. There are numerous job offers for warehouse workers without training, as well as for warehouse workers without German language skills. The path to success is often based on commitment and dedication rather than good grades. Nowadays, it is no longer difficult to find a warehouse worker job without training. Applicants who have already worked as warehouse assistants and have practical experience have a particularly good chance. So you can also work in the warehouse without training and really get started.

We have already touched on the main difference between warehouse clerk and warehouse specialist : the training - a warehouse logistics specialist without training is therefore a warehouse clerk. But that's not all: the two professions perform different tasks in the same area. If you want to find out more about the differences between warehouse clerk and warehouse specialist, take a look at our article.

Warehouse clerk without a high school diploma: Is that possible?

To start training as a warehouse clerk, you need at least a secondary school leaving certificate. However, as it is also possible to make a lateral entry into the profession, you can also find a job in the warehouse without a school-leaving certificate. However, you usually start as a warehouse assistant, although you can work your way up with a little effort and hard work. Nevertheless, with a good degree, you can expect an easier career start and better career opportunities. However, if you don't want to go back to school, you can certainly find a job as a warehouse employee without a degree.

Due to the flexible types of employment and the practical working hours as a warehouse clerk, it is also easy to catch up on your school-leaving qualifications while working (only if you think it makes sense, of course). Even without a school-leaving certificate, it is possible to have a stellar career in logistics!

Warehouse worker as a career changer

As the mail order business is booming, more and more employees are being sought for the warehouse. Due to the shortage of skilled workers, many companies have therefore decided to hire warehouse workers without experience or training. This means that career changers also have the opportunity to become a warehouse worker. They often start as warehouse helpers and take on more and more responsibility over time, working independently as packers or order pickers. Later on, you also have the opportunity to improve your salary with additional qualifications, such as a forklift driver's license. You can also retrain as a warehouse specialist and then continue your training to become a logistics foreman. Even as a warehouse assistant without professional experience, you can gain a foothold in the industry and climb the career ladder as a career changer.

‍Thewarehouse clerk salary without training: What you can expect

Even without training , the average salary of a warehouse clerk is between 2,400 and 3,040 euros gross per month (Gehalt.de). As you can see, the salary of an unskilled warehouse clerk is already quite good. With increasing qualifications and experience, you can also quickly improve your salary. However, it is not only professional experience that influences the level of a warehouse clerk's salary, but also the industry and the size and location of the company. We have compiled further salary statistics and more information on the average salary as a warehouse clerk in our article. 

Further training in logistics without training

Further training is the be-all and end-all in any career. Also because it always gives you a better negotiating point for salary negotiations. Furthermore, you should always be free to do further training in the field of logistics or warehousing even without training. In most cases, a little work experience and commitment to your work is enough to show your boss that you are the right person for further training!

Overall, there are many further training courses in logistics that you can complete even without training . These include various certificates and basic courses on order picking, digital skills and PC basics, as well as internal logistics and control. Acquiring a relevant driving license is also a very good salary booster: employees with a forklift license are often paid more. Truck driving licenses are also very popular in logistics!

Short and sweet: Our conclusion

Nowadays, you can find a job as a warehouse worker even without training. With a lot of initiative and commitment, you can work your way up from warehouse helper. You can also start training as a warehouse specialist or take part in retraining measures at any age. Further training and additional qualifications can also be undertaken in order to have better career opportunities and to advance in terms of salary. Warehouse work without training is therefore definitely possible.‍

FAQ

What do you do as a warehouse clerk?

As a warehouse clerk, you are responsible for receiving goods and the associated quality control. They also record incoming and outgoing goods in a computer program and carry out stock checks . Proper storage, picking and dispatch of goods are also part of the warehouse clerk's duties.

Is warehouse clerk a profession?

Yes, warehouse specialist is a recognized training occupation in Germany in industry and trade, but also in the skilled trades. It is a two-year apprenticeship.

What do you earn as an unskilled warehouse worker?

On average, unskilled warehouse workers earn between €2,400 and €3,040 gross per month (gehalt.de, 2024). The salary level is not only influenced by your own qualifications, but also by the industry and the size and location of the company in which you work. 

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