Kent labour market information
Transport and logistics
Day and night the logistics sector literally keeps everything moving, and in Kent and Medway employment in this sector is above the national average. Closely linked with our food production and travel and tourism industries, there are opportunities relating to road, rail, aviation, and maritime, as well as warehousing and storage.
Many people don’t realise there’s a wide range of jobs – some hands-on, some customer-facing, and others office-based - all playing a crucial role in keeping the economy strong by making sure products and services get to where they need to go quickly and efficiently.
20 jobs and careers in transport and logistics
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transport planner road transport manager forensic collision investigator
automation engineer cyber security analyst train driver
logistics co-ordinator import-export clerk border force officer
aircraft engineer National Highways customer service officer port operative
warehouse manager train conductor IT systems support analyst
marine engineering technician car rental agent merchant navy deck officer
motor vehicle breakdown engineer air traffic controller
Now and the future
Did you know this sector is at the forefront of tech innovation - from drone deliveries and robotics in smart warehouses to GPS tracking and the development of driverless vehicles.
Digital technology is transforming logistics operations and there’s a growing need in Kent and Medway for people with digital skills. As some tasks become automated, new roles are emerging to manage and maintain new technologies.
This sector faces some big challenges in reaching net zero and reducing environmental impact. Sustainable packaging, low-emission transport and the development of alternative fuels are just a few of the exciting areas where you could build a career in the coming years.
Spotlight on Kent and Medway
Around 45,000 people in Kent and Medway work in this sector in lots of different careers from rail and bus travel to export and supply chain management (source).
The Port of Dover, Europe's busiest ferry port, handles both passenger and freight traffic, including prestigious cruise ships. It employs lots of people in diverse roles who keep operations running smoothly. Nearby, the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone relies on highly organised individuals who efficiently manage the Le Shuttle freight and vehicle service and the Eurostar passenger trains to mainland Europe. If you live near the coast, there are also many harbours busy with activity which offer various career opportunities in the maritime sector.
Inland, the transport and logistics sector is crucial for supplying fresh produce and food products to UK and overseas markets; local experts in temperature-controlled storage and specialised packaging work hard to ensure food safety and quality. Major infrastructure projects in the pipeline such as the Lower Thames Crossing to relieve the busy Dartford Crossing and the planned reopening of Manston Airport as a freight hub keep transport planners in Kent and Medway busy!
With experience, this sector offers excellent opportunities to progress from entry-level roles to supervisory and management positions.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to find links to some great local employers.
More information
- has leadership and management skills
- has a range of digital skills
- can work to deadlines
- is good at problem solving
- works well in a team
- has excellent communication skills
- is calm under pressure.
Useful subjects
These subjects and qualifications could help you get into this sector:
maths | English | geography | computer science | design and technology | modern foreign languages | physics | engineering | business studies | law | applied science | economics
What about apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are available at all levels. You could apply for an apprenticeship at 16 and progress your career or keep studying and move into a higher or degree apprenticeship from age 18.
For vacancies in Kent and Medway and further information:
- Find an Apprenticeship
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Vacancy Listing
- Routes into Rail: apprenticeships
- National Highways Lower Thames Crossing
- Explore the Skills England apprenticeship maps for this sector
Your choices @
14-16
You’ll gain useful skills in English, maths, science and geography; computer science, engineering, design and technology, and modern foreign languages may also be useful for some careers.
Post 16
Five or more GCSEs at grade 4+ including English and maths | Working towards grade 4 GCSE English or maths |
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Post 18
- Degree.
- Other higher education qualification.
- Higher or degree apprenticeship.
- Employment with or without further training.
Gain skills and knowledge by building up experience. This could include volunteering, work shadowing, a work experience placement or traineeship, or paid employment.
Want to know more?
Royal Town Planning Institute
Routes into Rail (NSAR)
Careers at Sea
Maritime Careers
National Highways Careers
National Highways Lower Thames Crossing
Border Force Careers | Home Office
Kent employers
