Introduction
Transport and logistics is a very diverse sector that plays a major role in the EU and global economy. It enables the movement of goods, services and people as efficiently as possible. We rely on having goods available where and when we want, as well as the ability to get from A to B with ease.
The industry can be broken down into the following main categories:
- surface transport, which includes road, rail and pedestrian transport;
- air transport;
- sea transport.
Within the industry, transport applies to passengers and logistics refers to freight.
The sector in general is in a relatively good position, with some elements performing better than others.
There are opportunities for graduates from subjects ranging from engineering to humanities. Recently, organisations have been affected by fuel costs and a global economic downturn, reducing customer spending power (certain consumer goods, holidays etc). However, there has been a surge in public transport usage and a greater demand for effective and integrated transport/freight solutions.
Currently, there is significant investment into the transport infrastructure in the Netherlands leading into the 2028 Olympics. Projects include tram and light rail schemes, integrated public transport hubs, cycle routes and much more. Many logistics companies have expanded into other parts of the world.
Environmental issues, sustainability, IT, further economic downturn (or upturn), fuel costs or a decrease in the world supply of fuel, changes in the sourcing of overseas products, social inclusion, global tourism trends, legislation and funding all currently affect the industry and will continue to have an impact in the future.
What kind of work can I do?
Because of the size and diversity of the sector there are numerous and varied opportunities for graduates. Roles may involve:
- Planning
- Strategy
- Management of people, projects, functions and products
- Finance
- Marketing
- IT, engineering and other technical roles
Some of the larger graduate training schemes across the sector allow you to sample working in different departments to get an overview of the company and the key skills required in different roles.
Freight logistics is the movement and supply of goods throughout the economy, from raw materials, through all stages of the manufacturing process to the final delivery of finished products to companies and consumers.
It is often described by the method of transporting goods – road, rail, sea or air. In reality, large logistics companies work across all types of transport and with multiple industries.
The passenger transport industries include: aviation; buses and coaches; ships and ferries; taxis, private hire and chauffeurs; community transport; rail, underground and trams.
What’s it like working in this sector?
People who work in this sector tend to have, either at the outset or soon into their careers, a genuine interest in at least some aspect of transportation or distribution.
Transport and logistics exemplify the 24/7 culture. Some, but by no means all, roles require shift work including evenings, nights and weekends. In addition, depending on the role, travel may be a regular feature both locally, nationally and even internationally. There are still significantly more males than females working within the sector. All applicants need to demonstrate a range of skills and the ability to work within a team.
Where can I work?
There are opportunities to work all over the EU in most divisions of transport and logistics with increasing opportunities to work globally.
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http://www.prospects.ac.uk/industries_transport_logistics_overview.htm
