Shelf filler | Explore careers (2024)

You can get into this job by doing a college course in retail skills or retail knowledge.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

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You can apply to do a Retailer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This can take up to 1 year and 6 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

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You can apply directly for permanent or seasonal jobs. There are no set entry requirements although some employers may ask for GCSEs in maths and English.

Experience in retail or customer service will be helpful but not always essential.

Career tips

Most employers will offer part-time and flexible work options for this job, alongside full-time hours.

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• concentration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

As a shelf filler, you would:

• move boxes of stock from stores or freezer rooms to the shop aisles
• replace products on shelves, racks or in chiller cabinets
• set up product and promotional displays
• remove out of date or damaged items
• check that shelf labelling is correct
• take bulk packaging like boxes away for recycling
• direct customers to particular items in the store

You could work at a store.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and cool.

You may need to wear protective clothing.