Transport & Logistics - Stockport JobsMatch

If you’re a practical problem solver with strong decision-making and planning skills, a career in transport and logistics could be for you.

As an industry that’s heavily relied upon by people and businesses, there’s more to transport and logistics than just road, rail, air and water networks. It’s an area of huge government investment to develop world-leading transport infrastructure, where skilled workers are in high demand and the roles are incredibly varied.

Thanks to the continued growth of internet retailing and a rise in overall consumption levels, there’s an increasing need for logistics and supply chain experts.

Labour Market Information

During the pandemic, pressure on our supply rapidly increased due to a boom in online shopping and national and international pharmaceutical distribution needs.

Increased job opportunities, from logistics managers to delivery drivers, plus skills shortages (resulting from staff absences, Brexit regulations and wage disputes) raised the importance of key logistics workers to keep our economy moving. Elsewhere, international travel restrictions took their toll on the aviation industry, whilst working from home regulations and regional/national lockdowns led to a fall in the use of public transport.

Looking ahead however, the lifting of restrictions is likely to bring a return to recovery and growth in the medium to long-term. Plus, there’s huge investment underway with the Department for Transport committed to investing in transport infrastructure and upgrading our road and rail networks. Closer to home, Greater Manchester is due to receive more than £1 billion to transform our region’s public transport system – including new tram and train routes linking Stockport to other areas of GM.

These projects, together with digital transformation and the need to replace an ageing workforce, mean that skilled and experienced transport and logistics specialists will be needed in Stockport in the years to come.

Starting Salary

£11.44 per hour or £18,000
per annum

Typical Salary Range

£18,000 – £72,000
per annum

Working Hours

35 to 40 hours per week, including evenings and weekends

LMI Infographic from GMACS

GMACS have produced a range of helpful infographics to summarise careers in the Logistics sector and the current employment landscape in Greater Manchester.

According to the stats, the most in-demand roles are as a HGV Driver, Customs Officer, Mechatronics Specialist and a Supply Chain Manager and you may find yourself working for one of 6,125 employers such as Amazon, Kuehne-Nagel, DHL or Biffa for example. You’ll be joining 6.7% of GM residents who work in this sector earning an average of £29,312 and you’ll need to demonstrate numeracy skills, problem solving and adaptability.

You can view the full infographic and click on the links for more information by selecting the button below to view as a PDF.

View PDF

Rail Infographic from GMACS

According to the stats for the Rail sector in GM, the most in-demand roles are as a Tram and Train Drivers, Electrical and Civil Engineers, and in Traffic Management and you may find yourself working for one of 1,600 rail-related employers such as North Rail, Arriva, Virgin Trains or Emeg Group for example. You’ll be joining 1.6% of GM residents who work in this sector earning an average of £29,312 and you’ll need to demonstrate technical IT and engine

You can view the full infographic and click on the links for more information by selecting the button below to view as a PDF.

View PDF

Working in Transport & Logistics

There are lots of different types of jobs in transport and logistics. The most common are:

Air traffic controller
Baggage handler
Bus or coach driver
Delivery van driver
Driving instructor
Forklift truck driver
Freight forwarder
Import-export clerk
HGV and LGV drivers
Logistics and distribution manager
Passenger transport manager
Railway signaller
Supply chain manager
Warehouse manager

To pursue a career in the transport and logistics sectors, you will need to be able to demonstrate skills like:

Teamwork
Communication skills
Customer service and working with the public
Conflict management and problem solving
Ability to embrace new technologies
Logical and analytical
Results-driven
Commercial awareness
Numeracy
Organisation & project management

You can start your career in transport and logistics with any level of qualifications. Apprenticeships are common amongst large and small employers, with the opportunity to gain hands-on, practical skills and earn while you learn. You can often start an apprenticeship at Level 3 (equivalent to A-Levels) and pursue advanced qualifications (even up to degree level) with time and experience.

Whilst you don’t always need academic qualifications to get started, the complexities of working in the transport and logistics sector can mean you’ll likely need to take on further training (like NVQs, diplomas, degree or Masters qualifications) to enhance your skills and progress up the career ladder.

You can also opt to study related subjects at A-Level then move to a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in logistics, supply chain management, transport management or business management for example.

It’s safe to say that job opportunities within logistics and transport are plentiful and are only set to grow in the years to come. Whatever job level you start at, it’s likely you’ll gain an overview of a particular area or industry before specialising. Once you’ve gain specific skills and experience, you’ll be able to work your way up to more senior positions or take on a secondment to a different area to broaden your skills.