Bethany Windsor
Head of Skills Policy, Logistics UK
Manufacturing and engineering careers don’t immediately bring the logistics sector to mind, yet logistics sits at the heart of both.
Logistics is the quiet enabler that allows these global industries to function by keeping supply chains flowing and production lines moving. The sector is far broader and more innovative than many realise. For people considering careers in engineering or manufacturing, logistics roles can offer varied and well-paid careers and the chance to shape the systems that keep the modern world running.
For ‘skills gaps,’ read ‘opportunities’
Engineering skills are essential across a wide range of activities within the logistics sector, and the demand is growing as the sector transitions to new technologies and decarbonisation. Currently, the sector is experiencing acute shortages in several engineering roles, which means there are plenty of opportunities for people starting out on their career journey or looking to switch jobs.
Results from Logistics UK’s annual Logistics Industry Survey show that the most widely reported shortage is among vehicle technicians, compounded by the need to reskill technicians to handle electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Maintenance engineers for automated systems are also in high demand, as are CAA-qualified aviation engineers, heavy vehicle and plant mechanics and technicians who can install and maintain Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
The logistics sector is fundamental to the success of the UK’s industrial sector,
underpinning clean growth, advanced manufacturing and future mobility
Need for engineers extends beyond vehicle maintenance
Beyond vehicles, there’s an equally pressing requirement for engineers to support the increasing automation of logistics operations. Warehousing and distribution centres are becoming more reliant on AI technology, robotics, drone-assisted delivery systems and data-driven warehouse management platforms. These developments demand systems designers, project engineers and maintenance specialists who can keep pace with fast-changing technology.
Construction logistics is another field with opportunities as companies move plant and heavy equipment away from diesel. These shifts require new engineering competencies in powertrains and safety systems. These are the skills that will enable the sector to thrive over the coming decades.
The logistics sector is fundamental to the success of the UK’s industrial sector, underpinning clean growth, advanced manufacturing and future mobility. The opportunities for personal growth, progression and promotion are there for everybody.
Whether joining as a school leaver, graduate trainee or career switcher, the logistics sector has a culture of promoting from within. It’s a profession that values on-the-job experience and drives innovation to push at the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether automating manufacturing systems or decarbonising the supply chain, logistics is a profession where talents are appreciated, skills developed and ambitions realised.
