OCCUPATION: WAREHOUSE WORKER

Name: Jose Sanchez

Company: Circuit City

Thumbs up: “I like doing inventory, shipping and receiving. And I like the physical work.”

Thumbs down: “There is nothing I really dislike. I like my job.”

Next step: “Inventory control manager in a larger Circuit City store is my next step.”

Advice: “Anyone can do this job. They just have to be self-motivated. I started at the bottom with this company. I was a janitor when I first started; now I’m the warehouse manager. If you’ve got the guts to do it, go for it.”

Salary range: In Orange County, between $4.50 and $11.25 hourly.

Educational and training requirements: Most employers will train. Prospective employees must be bondable, able to lift at least 50 pounds, operate a forklift and perform basic mathematical computations. They also should have high school diploma or equivalent.

Size of work force: Large. In Orange County about 5,200 people--about 0.4% of the labor force--are warehouse workers.

Expected demand: Steady. Turnover rate is moderately low. The demand for experienced warehouse workers is greater than the supply; inexperienced workers, however, may find the job market more competitive.

Job description: Warehouse workers receive, store and issue merchandise and other items from the stockroom, warehouse and sales floor. They stock shelves, racks, cases, bins and tables with merchandise. They also may be expected to keep records and compile inventory reports.

Major employing industries: State, local and federal government, building materials companies, department stores, grocery stores and retail outlets.

Advancement: Promotions include warehouse supervisor, foreman, manager, inventory control manager, merchandiser, department manager, floor supervisor or product sales.

For more information: Call or visit the job service window at any office of the state Employment Development Department. In Orange County, the offices are at 900 E. Pacifico Ave., Anaheim, (714) 978-7421; 233 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, (714) 680-7800; and 1001 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, (714) 558-4294.