Factories, warehouses, shipping facilities, and even retail establishments will often provide opportunities for you to become an order builder. In this job, you will assess orders placed by customers, find all the items listed on the order and collect them, package them for shipping, and create any shipping labels necessary for the items. Once the items are boxed and ready to ship, you will keep track of all pertinent paperwork relating to that order and mark it as shipped. In order to become an order builder, you will need to develop basic math and reading skills, which usually means completing a high school education or equivalent qualification, though this may not always be necessary.
Be prepared to be on your feet for most of the day if you want to become an order builder. You should also be ready to do repetitive heavy lifting. In some settings, you will be able to use pallet jacks and other lifting devices, which may require some basic training. Employers often prefer job candidates who have forklift training as well, though again, this may not be a requirement for most jobs. You can learn to use a forklift on the job, so be prepared for some training. Once you become an order builder, you will usually need to work in a factory or warehouse setting, so you will be required to learn safety regulations and adhere to them at all times. CPR and first aid training is often preferred but not required.
It helps to gain previous warehouse or factory experience before applying to become an order builder. Employers often prefer job candidates who are familiar with the hazards of such environments and ready for the stresses of the job. You can take an entry-level position in a factory or warehouse to gain practical work experience, even if you are still in high school. Make sure you meet the legal age requirements for a job before applying.
Once you become an order builder, you will be responsible for keeping track of all order paperwork, so it is best to develop a system for staying organized. Many shipping facilities and warehouses now use computerized systems to track orders, so it is a good idea to get some computer training if you are not familiar with the basic functions. A local community college is likely to offer a basic computer skills class, which can be exceptionally beneficial if you want to work in this industry.
