To work in technician-level jobs in logistics you need to have good skills in communication, problem solving, people management and computer skills.
You need to be able to organise your own and others’ workloads and delegate tasks to others. Once you are over 18 it is possible to take driving qualifications.
Example jobs
Transport supervisor
Setting and maintaining high standards within the transport office and with the drivers, in line with company policy.
Warehouse team leader
Working in a warehousing environment, with responsibility for checking the work of the people in your team.
Stevedoring team leader
Supervising stevedores (dock workers), making sure that the team’s work is done safely and to the requirements of the port
LGV driver
Often working on your own to make deliveries to one or more premises a day.
Case study
I enjoy the freedom of the work. Once you have your list of collections and pickups, you are able to decide your route and where and in what order you will travel...
Bill Mason, an HGV driver for a freight company
Things you need to know
Typical working conditions
- Your work could be office-based or in a warehouse, manufacturing environment or postal organisation.
- You will often work flexible working hours, including shifts.
- The work can be fast-paced and travel may be required, especially in driving and courier work. Drivers and couriers often work alone.
Qualifications needed
There are many job-specific qualifications you can take while working. Examples include:
- Level 3 advanced apprenticeship, for example in purchasing and supply management or logistics operations.
- Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for road haulage and passenger transport.
- Professional examinations of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.
- You could choose to take a foundation degree in transport management or logistics. This will require two years’ full-time study at a college or university.
Career path
There are opportunities for qualified and experienced logistics staff to work for charities, delivering emergency supplies to countries or regions hit by disasters.
Large companies will have management training schemes. You could choose to study for a degree while you are working, as many degree courses are available part-time. A part-time degree usually takes four to five years.
Useful links
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