Warehousing and Distribution Level 5

Programme Progression 

On completion of the Warehousing and Distribution course at North Connaught College of Further Education students will be able to work independently and under supervision in a range of logistics and distribution environments or to progress to further or higher education or training. Our course provides the learner with the skills and qualifications required to operate forklifts.

Employment opportunities are available across a wide range of industries and may include the following type roles:

General Warehouse Operator

• Inspect materials received
• Store material correctly, issuing and recording stock coming into and out of a warehouse adhere to standard operating procedures and health and safety regulations

Warehouse Clerk

• Receive materials onto the computer system accurately and timely
• Locate and issue material to meet production requirements

Warehouse/Logistics Administrator

• Scheduling of orders to ensure orders are picked and shipped within requested timeframe
• Inventory management
• Invoice processing, report generating
• Dealing with haulage queries and bookings

Supply Chain Management/Procurement/Purchasing Departments

• Sourcing suppliers and selecting preferred supplier lists, negotiate agreements and terms with suppliers.
• Identifying value for money and cost reduction opportunities.
• Formulating tender enquiry documentation.

Entry Requirements

Education: No formal education or qualifications are required although applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education.  Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 4 when accessing a Level 5 programme.

Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.

Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.

Course Content  

Further Details

Below is a more detailed description of each of the Components

Warehousing

The learner will gain a better understanding of how to successfully operate a warehouse in an effective and efficient manner, for example, in a people operated versus a mechanised operated warehouse setting. They will also look at procedures involved in stock control, stock taking, equipment use and warehousing layouts.

Freight Forwarding

 The student will get an understanding of all transport modes used on a day to day basis; rail, road, air and sea.  They also study the process involved in getting goods from the warehouse to their final destination including documentation and payment methods.

 Inventory Control

 This module will enable the learner to appreciate the issues involved in inventory management including stock movement and control, cost involved in holding stock and the advantages and disadvantages of different inventory policies.  Learners will understand the difference between independent demand and dependent demand and the inventory planning issues involved in each situation, including a just in time system.  Learners will examine the relationship between purchasing, inventory control and marketing and learn techniques for forecasting demand, planning inventory levels, recording inventory, including the use of technology, and exception reporting.

 Purchasing

 Students will learn the skills to become an effective member of a purchasing team.  This will include learning how to research information on products and suppliers, gaining an understanding of issues pertinent to  the selection of suppliers, including the tendering process, evaluation of quotations and performance audits, appreciating the negotiating skills required in the purchasing process, exploring legal considerations, including complaints and claims, and understanding the paper trail and the impact of technology.

 Safety and Health at Work

 The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the skills to promote and maintain safety and health in a work environment, for example, risk assessment, personal protective equipment (PPE), healthy living. The learner will gain a better understanding of the roles of both the employee and the employer in all workplaces. Familiarisation with the relevant national legislation and statutory bodies.

 Customer Service

 The learner will gain a good understanding of all features of customer service including good first impressions, understanding and responding to customers’ needs.  They will also learn how to deal effectively with customers by improving their listening skills, the importance of positive body language and understanding the significance of working as part of a team.

 Microsoft Word  

 Use Microsoft Word to create a range of documents. Apply a variety of text processing features including margins, line spacing, indenting text and paragraphs, borders and shading, numbering and bullets, tabs, tables mail merge and labels.  Use spell-check, thesaurus, find and replace, to produce high quality, error free documents.  Learn file management skills – creating folders, saving files in different formats, copying files and folders, renaming files.  Improve personal performance by using the help facility to solve word processing problems.

 Microsoft Excel

 This module will allow the learner to design, analyse and create various data formats and worksheet layout.  They will also create charts and graphics. Students will create their own spreadsheet based on a business in order to gain an understanding of how and when spreadsheets work.

 Work Experience

 Students must find work placement in a suitable warehousing and logistics setting. Work-experience classes prepare the student to apply for work placement and future work by learning skills, producing a cover letter, CV and interview techniques. Students will also gain an understanding of their own skills and qualities, as well as how to document their learning during placement. This is an essential module for anybody wishing to prepare for or return to the workplace.

Forklift Training

Students will complete this training in the warehouse environment. They will be able to operate a forklift truck safely using correct driving techniques, have a good understanding of the lifting capabilities of a forklift. The learner will also be aware of the techniques involved in loading and unloading goods, etc. They will also learn the rules and regulations of using a forklift in warehouse environments.