Transport and Logistics
Transport and logistics is a growing sector that plays a major role in the UK and global economy. It deals with the safe and efficient movement of people and products, supplying many companies (such as
Morrisons) with the items they need daily. This can include passengers that travel by road, rail, air and sea, as well as products that are imported and exported though the logistic supply chain.
There are over two million people in England who work in the logistics sector and over another 570,000 people work in passenger transport. Typical graduate employers for transport and logistics include:
- Government and local authority schemes e.g. Department for Transport, the Highways Agency,
- Airports
- Passenger transport companies. e.g. National express
- Supply chain logistics.
Logistics simply enables management of the supply chain by ensuring that goods or services are available where and when they are needed and that they are in good condition.
Transport management deals with the movement of passengers and freight from A to B. The aim is to provide quality and a cost effective service for passengers. This can be anything from using air, sea, road, or rail.
With the preparation of the Olympic site in full swing, there has been a massive investment put into the transport infrastructure in the UK. Projects include tram and light rail schemes, cycle routes and much more, therefore creating more job opportunities for graduates. Entering a graduate role can also open up opportunities for promotion to management and supervisory levels.
This industry operates 24 hours and doesn?t stop so part time work and shift work is very common. Some jobs may require their staff to work early morning, evening and night shifts, as well as at weekends.
There are a variety of jobs based in a range of locations including airports, railway and bus stations, warehouses and offices. Transport and Logistic jobs usually involve a mixture of indoor and outdoor work and plenty of travelling, which can be fun, especially if you like a change of scenery.
The work can be stressful but also highly rewarding, and you should also be willing to take on responsibility early and have the ability to see the bigger picture so that you know the impact of your decision making.
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Graduate salaries can range from £15,000 to £18,000 and according to The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK, salaries can double within five years if progressing to managerial level.
The type of qualification needed depends on what job route you decide to take. A technical degree in engineering or supply chain management is essential for some roles, however the industry is highly multidisciplinary and requires people from many other backgrounds.
Subjects such as economics, marketing, IT, business studies, geography, environmental studies and mathematics are often required.
Employers look for workers who are good communicators (written and verbal) and who have the ability to think clearly under pressure. Good motivational skills along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for graduates who want to succeed in transport and logistics.
Other logistics skills include:
- Numeracy and the ability to use IT systems for tracking.
- Marketing skills so that you can sell ideas to clients.
Other transport skills include:
- Understanding the demand for transport.
- Technical knowledge so that you have a better understanding of transport systems and infrastructure.
