Transport & Logistics | Jobs & Careers

There are a wide range of jobs available within the Transport and Logistics sector in the UK. If you are a graduate, you can apply for engineering or transport planning positions within the industry. If, however, you are a non-graduate simply looking for casual work, there are regular vacancies advertised for couriers and distributors for all kinds of products and services.

Main Types of Transport and Logistic Jobs and Job Titles
Transport and Logistics jobs, for both graduate and non-graduate posts, can be divided according to type as follows:
Project Management
Rail
Safety
Technician
Transport Engineering
Transportation Planning
Bus
Distribution & Logistics
Environmental
Graduate/trainee
Highways & Traffic
ITS
Modelling
Fleet Management
Import/Export
Freight Forwarding
Vehicle Rental and Leasing

To give you a clearer idea of the type of jobs available , here are some job titles associated with this sector. They include Transport Operators, Traffic Wardens, Public Transport Planners, Transport Engineers, Supply Chain Consultants, HGV Drivers, LGV Drivers, Couriers, Highways Traffic Team Managers, Warehouse Assistants and many more.

Trade and Professional Body
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport or CILT(UK) is the official, independent professional body for individuals either working or associated with logistics, supply chain and all transport industries. Their website -- www.ciiltuk.com -- provides a wealth of information about this vast industry as well as providing useful advice on how to build a rewarding career within these sectors, particularly if you are a graduate. You will find information about the type of qualifications you may need before you begin applying for a job as well as information about further studies such as a Masters Degree in Transport Studies.

There is also an Appointments Online section where, as an unregistered user, you can view a small selection of jobs currently available in the logistics and transport sectors. In order to be granted access to all vacancies on a monthly basis, you will need to register as a member of the institute. By joining, you will start receiving monthly job advertisements as well as your copy of the monthly membership journal.

The Institute's Careers Service -- available only to members -- is a useful job-hunting tool, in particular for graduates. This service will help you in the following areas: Job-hunting, CV Writing and Presentation, Completing Job Applications and Covering Letters, Successful Interviewing Tactics, Career Development Advice.

Other Ways to Find Transport and Logistics Jobs
For graduates, it may be worthwhile using the services of a specialised transport and logistics recruitment consultancy. A reputable and professional agency will know how to package your skills and qualifications to help in successfully securing a position that suits you. Signing up with a recruitment agency will save you time and effort -- they already have established links with many of the recruiters.

In addition to vacancies advertised here at Classifieds, both graduates and non-graduates looking for either temporary or permanent positions can also find vacancies by using the following resources:
Job Centres/Job Centre Plus
Classifieds in Newspapers, Trade Magazines and Directories -- both online and offline
National Broadsheets such as The Guardian, The Times, The Telegraph -- both online and offline
Word of Mouth/Friend's Recommendation -- this is an effective way especially if you are looking for non-graduate job such as a courier or a driver.

Key Areas of Opportunity in Logistics
Some of the main areas of opportunities in logistics and supply chain management include:
Manufacturing
Retailing
Logistics Service Providers
Consultancy

Key Areas of Opportunity in Transport
Some of the main areas of opportunities in transport are:
Planning
Customer services
Engineering
Research and development
Operations and fleet management
Information technology
Industrial design
Analyst
Health and safety
Environmental

Prospective Employers for transport and logistics jobs
National and local government
Passenger transport companies - road, rail, air and sea
Freight transport companies - road, rail, air, sea and inland waterways
Travel and tourist companies
Coal, oil, steel, gas and electricity companies
Seaports, airports and The Post Office
Breweries, supermarkets, clothing and food manufacturers
Car fleet operators and courier services
The Armed Services
Consultancies

Skills and Qualifications Needed
Depending on the level of the role for which you are applying, you will in all likelihood need good results at GCSE or A Level. Strong skills in business studies, mathematics and languages are desirable for some positions. If you are applying for a graduate opening, you will of course need a good degree in any subject, not necessarily in specialist transport/distribution studies. However this is not the only way to advance within the industry. If you have strong analytical and IT skills, or perhaps have a willingness to work shifts, possess strong interpersonal skills, can work well under pressure -- you will almost certainly be able to build a good career within this industry. At a later stage in your career, you can take additional professional qualifications to enhance your career prospects.

Salaries
For graduate trainees a typical starting salary would be approximately 15,000. This is of course entirely dependent on the size of the company and where it is located. London salaries are usually higher to accommodate the higher cost of living. It is almost impossible to place a figure for non-graduate jobs as these type of jobs vary so drastically in terms of responsibility and again, on company size and location.

Preparing for Your Job Interview
Once you have established that you do meet the skills and qualifications required, it is time to prepare yourself for your interview. Remember that the little details are vital -- arrive early, dress appropriately, think about the minutiae such as handshakes and posture. Do not forget to prepare and practise your answers to any possible difficult questions. Brush up on your interview and presentation skills before the interview.

More Transport & Logistics Academic and Careers Organisations
The following organisations will be able to offer you information on how to gain relevant academic or vocational qualifications and/or provide some level of careers advice. Most of them have websites.
Advanced Railway Research Centre
Careers in Logistics
Cranfield School of Management - Centre for Logistics and Transportation
Inside Careers Guide to Logistics and Transport Management
Institute of Industrial Logistics (ISLI)
Logistics Research Centre - Herriot-Watt University
School of Applied Science - Huddersfield University
Strategic Operations Management Centre (SOMC)
The Supply Chain Challenge