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Transport Logistics

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Industry Summary

Whether you’d like to be a pilot, become a professional driver or ensure a train arrives at its destination on time, you’ll be sure to find a role to interest you. 

That being said, supply Chain logistics is not just about trucks and sheds, the roles within Supply Chain are as diverse as the people who work within these roles. In the industry, there are roles within in each function of its operations, Finance, IT, digital, Health & Safety, Engineering, Procurement to name a few. No matter if your dream job involves providing great customer service to commuters at rush hour or transporting the latest fashions on the market to designer shops, there’s truly something for everyone. Transport logistics is one of the largest industries in the UK, so there are many opportunities to get involved in an industry that will, quite literally, take you places! 

Whether you want to work in air traffic control, on the railways or with a big supermarket brand making sure their products get on the shelves on time, your part in this sector will ensure that it happens.

 

What options can I take for a career in transport logistics?

 

Work Experience

Any candidate with work experience will offer an advantage over other potential candidates that do not. Some employers offer opportunities to those interested in summer placement or industrial placement years which will give you an insight into the industry, others are happy to offer you one or two weeks shadowing their staff. By getting work experience, it will show that you are dedicated, motivated and have the excellent people skills that they are looking for. Often, businesses will also consider people who have done work experience with them for other opportunities in the future.

Unsure about what a work placement could involve? You should’ve asked!

 

Apprenticeships

There are apprenticeships available in the transport/supply chain logistics industry across many levels, from intermediate to advanced, and are highly effective as an ideal combination of experience and qualifications. As a transport apprentice, you’ll have the chance to learn the skills of the trade from your experienced colleagues and get to grips with the industry from the inside by gaining new skills, knowledge and behaviours to ensure you become a value add member of your Team. You’ll also be paid by your employer to study for the qualifications that relate direly to your role; these can then be applied practically in the workplace to ensure that you have fully grasped the skills and concepts involved. You will be given responsibility from the start and treated as a ‘real’ employee that is valued by the company.

  • Level 2 – Passenger Transport Driver – Bus, Coach and Tram
  • Level 2 - Supply Chain Warehouse Operative
  • Level 2 – Network Operations
  • Level 2 – Waste Resource Operative
  • Level 2 – Passenger Transport onboard & Station Team member
  • Level 3 – Train Driver
  • Level 3 – Bus and Coach Engineering Technician
  • Level 3 – Transport Planning Technician
  • Level 4 – Road Transport Engineering Manager
  • Level 4 – Passenger Transport Operations Manager

There are also many other roles within Supply Chain Logistics, DHL for example are looking at offering the following apprenticeships within their workforce. 

Want to know what apprenticeships are all about? We have you covered!

University

The transport logistics industry is suited to those wishing to study at university due to the technical material that is necessary for some roles. During your degree, you’ll spend most of your time in lectures or seminars getting to grips with the theoretical theory behind the sector. You will be able to choose the modules which you study, which means you’ll be able to pick those areas that hold your fascination and tailor your degree to the role you hope to enter once you graduate. It’s recommended that you take a course that offers a year in industry in order to give you the practical experience that is favoured by employers. Here are some potential degrees you could undertake:

  • Strategic Transport Management BA (Hons)
  • Transport Design BA (Hons)
  • Future Transport Engineering BEng (Hons)
  • Logistics and Transport BSc (Hons)
  • Automotive and Transport Design BA (Hons)
  • Transport and Logistics Management BSc (Hons)
  • Business Logistics and Transport Management BA (Hons)

Want to find out what University could offer you? We have your back!

 

Graduate Jobs

Many large employers in the transport logistics industry will employ graduates straight out of university to those of all degree backgrounds. In fact, many companies are committed to bringing in a developing Talent straight from university.  

Some roles may require specific logistics understanding and so will only be open to those with a degree in a related topic. A Graduate programme gives the individual the opportunity to showcase their current talent and develop this talent further by completing a number of successful placements within and organisation. There are plenty of organisations within the sector that run graduate schemes which offer training in the workplace in order to prepare their employees for their future career. Most companies will offer a range of options from Leadership, Finance, HR, Supply Chain, Transport to name a few.

Want to know what graduate jobs are all about? We can help!

 

Other routes

The transport logistics industry enables people to go into a role straight from school or college, or even as a career change. There are many opportunities within this industry to work your way up from a younger age or if you have few qualifications.

Begin searching for your future career in transport logistics



Career Progression, Discover Your Future

Work Description

Managers and directors in transport and distribution plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources necessary for the safe, efficient and economic movement of passengers and freight by road, rail, sea and air transport.

Qualification

Candidates are recruited with a variety of academic qualifications and/or with relevant experience. Entrants to management trainee schemes in logistics offered by larger companies will require GCSEs/S grades, A levels/H grades, a degree or other equivalent qualifications. Off- and on-the-job training is provided. Professional qualifications are available. Legislation of the European Union requires all transport managers to hold a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). NVQs/SVQs in a number of relevant areas including supply chain and operations management are available at Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Job Tasks

plans the optimum utilisation of staff and operating equipment, and co-ordinates maintenance activities to ensure least possible disruption to services; examines traffic reports, load patterns, traffic receipts and other data and revises transport services or freight rates accordingly; directs the movement, handling and storage of freight in transit, and reviews space utilisation, staffing and distribution expenditure to determine future distribution policies; ensures that regulations regarding hours of work, the licensing of crews and transport equipment, the operational safety and efficiency of equipment, the insurance of vehicles and other statutory regulations are complied with; ensures that harbour channels and berths are maintained and liaises with ship owners, crew, customs officials, dock and harbour staff to arrange entry, berthing and servicing of ships; supervises day-to-day activities in a railway station; arranges for maintenance of airport runways and buildings, liaises with fuel and catering crews to ensure adequate supplies and resolves any complaints and problems raised by airport users.

Related Jobs

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Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

Work Description

Workers in this unit group perform various clerical functions relating to the transport and distribution of goods and freight.

Qualification

There are no minimum academic requirements, although entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is usually provided on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs in relevant areas are available at Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Job Tasks

processes customer orders and forwards requisition documentation to storage and distribution personnel; formulates delivery loads, vehicle schedules and routes to be followed by delivery staff; monitors tachograph readings and maintains records of hours worked and distance travelled by drivers; obtains customs clearance and processes import and export documentation necessary for the movement of goods between countries; maintains records regarding the movement and location of freight, containers and staff.

Related Jobs

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Estimated Pay

Information on weekly pay (average, median and decile) is taken from a combination of two sources: the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE); and the Labour Force Survey (LFS) (both conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS)). ASHE is widely regarded as the most reliable source of information on Pay and Hours, however it does not include information on pay by qualification as well as some other characteristics (such as self-employment).

Unemployment Data

The level and rate of UK unemployment for this career path measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) as a percentage, using the International Labour Organisation's definition of unemployment.

Projected Employment Levels

Estimated Hours

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