The logistics industry is a vital driver of economic growth and development around the world. Many people are unaware of the impact the industry makes in our day to day lives. Quite simply, it’s changed the way we’re able to live. People who work in logistics ensure products are available to consumers where and when they need them.
Without transport and logistics professionals, Australia’s economy would slow to a crawl. And these professionals are going to be even more important in the future. The current COVID-19 situation has seen many people around the world rely more heavily on having goods delivered to their door. This has acted to speed up the adoption of online purchases and it is expected that this uptake will remain long after the pandemic is over.
According to the Australian Logistics Council, the number of goods being shipped to, from and across Australia will triple by the year 2050. Government statistics suggest the sector is responsible for almost 5% of GDP. That’s just under $80 billion a year!
There’s plenty of room for productivity improvement too, with the pandemic exposing challenges regarding the globalisation of the supply chain. The Australian transport and logistics sector is still about 10% less productive than our average global competitor. But exciting technology, such as automation solutions, is changing the face of logistics all over the world. You could be part of the innovation that makes Australia a world leader in the years to come.
If you are considering pursuing a career in logistics, here are some points on how to get into logistics and for you to determine if logistics is the right career choice for you.
Logistics is a fast-growth sector
There are more jobs in logistics than ever, with experts anticipating that the sector will continue to grow in the coming year. The industry employs more than 500,000 people and is predicted to increase by 5 per cent through to 2026*. With the growth of eCommerce in Australia and the changing way in which we buy products as a result of the current pandemic, transport and logistics has never been more important.
A good salary is on offer
There are a variety of roles within the logistics sector, with salaries dependent upon experience. In Australia, supply, distribution and procurement managers earn an average salary of $85,000. Purchasing and supply logistics officers earn an average annual salary of $60,800. Transport and dispatch officers earn an average annual salary of $58,500*.
Plenty of varied job opportunities
Unlike careers in law, medicine or finance, logistics tends to be a career that flies under the radar for many people. This coupled with the importance of the sector, means there are lots of jobs in logistics that need filling and plenty of opportunities to progress quickly within the industry.
Entry-level positions might include managing product inventory at one end of the supply chain, to delivering customer service management at the other. However, you can also start in the industry (without qualification), in a role such as a van driver or distribution clerk and work your way up with some additional education to bolster your opportunities. The next step in your career path may be a supervisor role or a project manager. In a larger organisation, you could end up as a national logistics manager.
Logistics offers workplace choice
As so many different industries and organisation are dependent upon logistics, taking a role in the sector can mean working in any number of daily locations. From an office to a factory floor or a delivery centre. Your daily workplace could take any form.
International Travel
One major bonus of working in logistics at the management level is international travel. There are many logistics jobs out there that require frequent international travel to visit clients or review supply chains. Of course, these trips will be work-focused, but you may still get the chance to see new things and experience other cultures.
Location flexibility
Many career paths will require you to live in a specific area such as a CBD, but with logistics, you can start your career almost anywhere. Because logistics professionals are in such high demand, they often have the freedom of choosing where they want to work. This is because most major companies around the world are in need of logistics workers.
Meeting new people
There are millions of people working in logistics around the world. Having a career in logistics will allow you to meet new people from both Australia and around the world Networking and creating new relationships is often where you will find new opportunities awaiting you.
Often these relationships will teach you about other languages, cultures, customs and laws. If you are looking to move into a career in international business, this will make you extremely employable. Beginning a career in logistics can provide you with the skills and experience to open many new doors when it comes to career opportunities.
Having these skills and experience could also allow you to work in other countries and you may even choose to relocate permanently.
Logistics offers job stability
Logistics isn’t going anywhere. Working within the logistics sector means you won’t have to worry about whether your job will still be around in the next ten years even if it might take a slightly different form as technology evolves. In today’s world, finding a career with such stability is not too easy.
Real responsibility
As a logistics manager, many people within the organisation’s supply chain will be relying on you to make sure that the product is in the right place at the right time, that the transport arrives, or that the right amount of stock is delivered. It is a logistician’s hard work and diligence that makes everyone else’s roles possible. This often gives a sense of purpose and satisfaction which is a key driver of why a career in logistics might just be the right choice for you.
Does logistics sound like the career for you? Want to know more? Monarch Institute’s Diploma of Logistics could be your path to great opportunities in this sector. Contact us to find out more.
Sources: pc.gov.au, abs.gov.au, austlogistics.com.au, workforceplanningtools.com.au, Industry Employment Projections’ Australian Government Department of Employment, lmip.gov.au, Jobs and Skills Australia
