Transport and logistics : Entry and progression

How do I find a job?

The Department for Transport (DfT) and the two sector skills councils, GoSkills: The Sector Skills Council for Passenger Transport and Skills for Logistics , contain essential background reading about the industry, careers, qualifications and current issues, as well as links to a range of other sources.

Many organisations offer graduate training schemes across all the areas within this sector. Graduate directories are useful sources of employer contact details. Early applications are advisable. However, graduate training schemes are not the only entry point into the industry. There are other challenging jobs that you might pursue in a wide variety of contexts. You might apply for jobs that do not require a degree but are attractive to graduates, for example as air or ground crew. It is also possible to start in a clerical or customer service role and work your way up, via training and experience, into a managerial position.

It is also worth looking at the jobs section of local authorities, as a number of roles within local councils are relevant to this sector. Departments worth looking at include highways and transportation, economic development and regeneration.

Vacancies are advertised by careers services, recruitment agencies, national newspapers and specialist publications such as Logistics & Transport Focus  (The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) UK). 

Find out more about job application advice.

What skills do I need?

While a technical degree in engineering or supply chain management is essential for some roles, the industry is highly multidisciplinary and requires people from many other backgrounds. Subjects such as economics, marketing, IT, business studies, geography, environmental studies, mathematics, languages and human resources may be particularly relevant, but there are roles for applicants with a wide range of transferable skills. Employers are looking for good communicators (written and verbal) and team players with strong analytical and problem-solving skills who are able to multitask.

You should also be willing to take on responsibility early. Solutions do not happen overnight so you need to appreciate that projects you have worked on may continue to impact on society for years. The ability to see the bigger picture and the broader impact of your decision making is essential.

Currently foreign languages and job-related IT skills are highly valued by employers in the Passenger Transport sector (GoSkills, 2010).

Where can I find work experience?

Work experience is certainly useful in this sector, along with a demonstrable interest in transportation.

Some organisations offer official work placement schemes across this sector and others may accommodate an individual enquiry - you need to research this before applying. For instance you could contact organisations that are members of the Transport Planning Society (TPS) . This professional society has a Job Opportunities section on its website which addresses the shortage of transport planners in the UK. You can upload your CV and search for placements or graduate positions. 

Is postgraduate study useful?

Postgraduate study relevant to this sector varies from generic managerial courses with modules in transport and/or logistics to highly specialised transport planning and engineering or supply chain management courses. Those courses that have strong industry links and even a placement are particularly useful. A relevant Masters degree, full or part time, may increase your starting salary. There are a number of bursaries available to fund higher degrees and a number of larger employers support staff through relevant programmes.

How can my career develop?

There are a number of institutions that offer job-specific and managerial courses to enhance your career prospects. To reach the higher professional levels, a Masters degree or professional qualification is highly desirable if not essential.

Some roles within this sector require chartered status, which is achieved through training and proven professional competence over a period of time. Many companies offer in-house training. With experience, it is possible to move between different types of company, specialise in one niche area, move to other modes of transport or move into transport planning and consultancy. Large, multinational companies offer opportunities for managers to work overseas.