The Future of Logistics: Why You Should Consider a Career in This Field
Are you searching for a career in a rapidly growing industry? Look no further than logistics. It might surprise you to learn that almost every industry relies on logistics services to run smoothly. Due to this high demand, there is a huge range of career opportunities in logistical operations.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about what logistics involves, the future of the logistics industry and what careers are available within the sector. It will also provide information on career pathways in logistics and how The Manchester College can help you on this journey.
What is logistics?
Logistics is the collection of processes involved in planning, sourcing, storing, and delivering goods.
Everything around you, including the device you're using to read this guide, is only within arm's reach because of logistics. Retail, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and consumer goods are just a few industries that rely on the logistics sector.
You might picture trucks when you think about logistics, but the sector also includes trains, buses, aeroplanes, ships, warehouses, and people.
Logistics involves:
- transportation
- warehousing and storage
- packaging
- inventory management
- distribution.
What is the future of logistics?
Logistics is vital to our regional, national, and global economy. Almost every other sector needs goods or resources sourced, stored, and distributed. As a result, logistics is currently one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. The industry has doubled since 2012 and, as of 2021, employs over 1.25 million people across the UK – and that number has only grown since then!
Logistics will play a crucial role in the Government's Levelling Up agenda. Roles in the logistics sector are more likely to be in high-priority areas of the Levelling Up agenda than jobs in other sectors. Since 2012, around four in ten new logistics jobs have been created in high-priority areas, compared to only one in four jobs in other industries.*
Needless to say, the future is looking very bright for logistics!
Is logistics a good career?
Should you work in logistics?
The logistics sector offers a dynamic and fast-paced working environment. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with processes, and understanding patterns and trends, you could be a good fit for the logistics industry.
Does logistics offer career progression?
The logistics industry provides plenty of pathways for career advancement. It is common for entry-level employees to be promoted quickly to senior roles. Around 35,000 logistics workers were promoted to management positions in 2021.
What careers are in logistics?
Logistics is a big industry, so there is a diverse range of roles to explore. You could manage supply chains, work in warehousing, coordinate distribution, deliver products, and more.
Careers in logistics include:
- Transport planner
- Large goods vehicle driver
- Freight forwarder
- Postal worker, mail sorter, messenger, and courier
- Logistics and distribution manager
How can you start a career in logistics?
If you'd like to join the growing logistics industry, The Manchester College can help find the right pathway for you. We are one of the few education providers in the North West to be approved by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Studying logistics at The Manchester College.
Our award-nominated logistics department offers courses for learners who are 19+ across many subject areas, including warehousing, LGV driving, procurement, supply and more.
We think hands-on experience is a crucial part of learning about logistics. You'll learn about logistics in state-of-the-art modern facilities with industry-standard training vehicles, specialist software and other sector-specific tools.
A qualification from The Manchester College can help you jump-start your career with Eddie Stobart, Royal Mail, DHL, Amazon or one of the other thousands of companies working in logistics.
Find more about our logistics courses and apply here.
*All statistics sourced from Logistic UK and Amazon’s The Impact of Logistics Sites in the UK report.