Transport & logistics

• Areas of work include supply chain management, passenger transport, traffic management, transport planning and the movement and supply of goods such as warehousing, road, rail, maritime and air transport.
• Technology is having a huge impact on roles in this sector.  Advances such as robotic warehouse pickers, drone deliveries and driverless technologies means that in the future there will be less work for those who work in lower-skilled roles.
• People with good digital skills are in demand in tech area such as GPS tracking, electronic signature scanners as advanced online operations develop.
• Drivers are in huge demand, especially bus, train and LGV drivers.
• Did you know, the rail industry is desperately seeking young talent?  An ageing workforce means that young people are especially needed in roles such as customer service assistant, train driver, maintenance operative, engineer, and project manager.  There are also roles in data analytics and environmental protection.  Career progression is good and under-represented candidates are particularly in demand.

• Teamwork
• Negotiation skills
• Speaking
• Customer service
• Planning and organisation
• Flexibility
• Leadership
• Business knowledge
• Problem solving
• Attention to detail
• Digital skills
• Project management
• Calm under pressure
• Listening

• Maths
• Engineering
• Business studies
• Physics
• Geography
• Design & technology
• Computer science
• English
• ICT

• Greater Anglia
• Bristows
• First Group
• Norwich Airport
• Royal Mail
• Saxon Air
• Jack Richards, Fakenham
• DPD Snetterton
• QTD Snetterton

Merchant Navy deck officer       £12,700-£40,000

Cabin crew                                 £15,000-£30,000

Warehouse worker                     £16,900-£36,600

Import-export agent                    £18,000-£30,000

Transport planner                       £20,000-£45,000+

Air traffic controller                     £25,000-£45,000

Rail travel assistant                    £26,000-£44,650

Train driver                                 £32,400-£70,500+

Supply chain manager                £24,000-£50,000+

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

Getting good GCSE grades in maths and English and being able to demonstrate you have digital skills will help you get into this sector.  A positive attitude to continuous learning can also help you get a foot on the ladder and progress your career.

Options at 16

A levels - There are no specific subjects for getting into a non-technical job or higher education course but you may find business or economics useful.  If you're interested in an engineering or technical career in this sector, subjects such as maths, physics, computer science or electronics may be useful for getting onto a higher level apprenticeship or higher education course.

Apprenticeship - An intermediate or advanced apprenticeship can help you get into the sector and can lead to further career progression.  Entry requirements vary so check before you apply.  Examples include:-

Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2)

• Passenger transport operative

• Supply chain operator

• Warehouse/delivery operative

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3)

• Transport and warehouse operations supervisor

• Cabin crew

• Train driver

• International freight forwarding specialist

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree - Some careers within this sector, such as transport planner or Merchant Navy officer, typically require a degree. For others, such as supply chain manager, passenger transport manager, logistics manager and freight forwarder, a degree may be helpful and graduate programmes are available.

Apprenticeship - There are a few higher and degree apprenticeships for this sector; check entry requirements carefully.

Examples include:

• Aviation operations manager (level 4)

• Air traffic controller (level 5)

• Marine pilot (level 5)

• Express delivery manager (level 6 degree apprenticeship)

• Transport planner (level 6 degree apprenticeship)

• Supply chain leadership professional (level 6 degree apprenticeship)

Gaining experience

Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work will allow you to demonstrate your skills and qualities. Experience of working with others – either as a team or with customers – can be particularly helpful when applying for work in this sector.