There is a diverse range of logistics careers with specialised training opportunities to match for school leavers and other jobseekers across the Liverpool City Region.
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The impact of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled employer demand for HGV drivers over the last few years, but even before that, the logistics industry was a rapidly-growing sector, and it continues to be so. There is a diverse range of logistics careers with specialised training opportunities to match for school leavers and other jobseekers across the Liverpool City Region.
Driving a lorry springs to mind when many people think about careers in logistics. This is certainly a worthwhile career choice, with HGV drivers typically earning between £25K and £42K. But logistics isn’t just about physically driving goods from one place to another. The sector relies on a complex infrastructure supported by a network of procedures and systems that ensure the seamless flow of freight across the country and even globally.
So, as well as driving roles, there are other exciting careers to aspire to, such as transport manager, traffic planner, and freight forwarding specialist. In addition, customer service and warehouse managementare essential functions in the logistics sector, and they offer equally exciting career opportunities. All these positions require specialist skills such as understanding the requirements of transporting dangerous goods, customs requirements when crossing borders, or the digitalisation of warehousing.
Training Programmes
Many robust training programmes are available for people considering professional careers in logistics. TRS is an award-winning logistics training provider in the Liverpool City Region, offering apprenticeships and skills bootcamps for logistics careers. Their MD, Kevin Birch, says:
‘Large employers, including retailers, often have their own logistics operations, translating to ample job opportunities, decent salaries, and job security. Whether you’re interested in driving large goods vehicles, warehouse and transport management, or supply chain analysis, logistics offers various career options. ‘TRS is working with firms in the logistics sector across the country to attract new talent and upskill their existing employees. For individuals wanting to enter the logistics sector or those already working in the industry, a structured training programme covering all the industry skills is the best way to carve out a rewarding logistics career with plenty of promotion opportunities.
Pathways into Supervisory Roles
TRS has partnered with several headline employers to develop their staff through logistics apprenticeships. John Lewis is among the companies upskilling team members to progress into logistics supervisory roles.
31-year-old Adrian Diemer, Partner and Transport Section Manager at John Lewis, completed TRS’s Transport and Warehouse Operations Supervisor (TWOs) apprenticeship. His training gave him all the skills necessary for his transport management role, from traffic planning and customer service to IT competency and safety standards. He also gained his Transport Manager CPC qualification as part of the apprenticeship.
Tanith Dolan, Partner & Operational Training Manager at John Lewis plc, says:
‘This apprenticeship provides us with a framework for empowering our managers with the essential skills needed to lead our transport and warehouse operations effectively. We are already seeing positive results with the several members of staff who have successfully their course.’
Sustainability in Logistics
Sustainability is an important factor in logistics, with all operators, whether small or large, looking for staff with a keen understanding of carbon reduction. Scott Benson of SSO Logistics in St Helens completed the TRS Transport Manager & Sustainability Champion Skills Bootcamp, funded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Thanks to this short intensive course, he acquired his Transport Manager CPC along with carbon planning skills. Scott went on to become a sustainability champion in his organisation, transforming his approach to transport planning. Scott says:
‘Since completing the Transport Manager & Sustainability Champion Skills Bootcamp, I’ve taken my contribution at work to the next level. I am now precision-planning fleet movements, positively impacting the organisation’s bottom line. ‘The course also taught me about environmental impact and how logistics must adjust to reduce carbon footprint and embrace change. It gave me the knowledge to produce a carbon reduction plan.’
Starting a Career in a Booming Sector
2024 has seen significant demand for people with skills in freight forwarding or the movement of goods internationally. This is a promising career opportunity if you are keen to work in a dynamic environment and work well under pressure.
Freight forwarders act as a third party for the sender of goods and the transport companies. You can end up a specialist in road, shipping, or rail. Reaching a £40,000 salary is realistic within a few years, with some roles offering the opportunity to travel abroad. There is an international freight forwarder apprenticeship available so look out for opportunities that arise in Liverpool City Region by bookmarking the Be More vacancies page or downloading the app [https://lcrbemore.co.uk/app/].
Long-Term Professional Prospects
In the Liverpool City Region, the logistics apprenticeship pathway offers a long-term career progression plan. If you choose a level 2 apprenticeship in HGV driving, you can later progress to a level 3 in transport management. Similarly, an apprenticeship in warehouse operations leads to an apprenticeship in warehouse management, and customer service apprentices can progress into management roles.
If you’re ready to explore what a career in logistics could offer you, now is the perfect time to get a foot on the ladder. Visit the TRS website [https://www.trstrainingltd.com/] to learn more about their logistics career development programs. You can also search ‘transport and logistics’ on the LCRBeMore portal here [https://lcrbemore.co.uk/apprenticeship/].
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