Logistics, Warehousing and Transport

There are supply chains linked to every industry, including retail, food manufacturing, agriculture and mining. All goods and services are delivered through supply chains.

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Types of entry-level work

The sector employs more than half a million people in a variety of different jobs. You could find a role in road, rail, air and sea transport, logistics, warehousing, and distribution. There are roles in procurement, freight forwarding and customs broking, scheduling, planning and risk management.

There is high demand for roles in this sector as Australia both imports and exports many goods and materials. Jobs could be with small and medium businesses or major corporations.

Find out about the pay, projected growth, employment locations, skills and interests of people working as:

Training for entry-level work

You can find subsidised training on the  Your Career website. Try searching for courses using these keywords:

  • transport
  • logistics.

If you want to work in logistics and warehousing, then you can start out in a traineeship. Before you start training you need a job offer from an employer. You can find traineeship vacancies on Apprenticeship Network Provider jobs boards.

Traineeships are available in freight and bulk handling transport in many regional locations. You can progress to a job with more responsibility and independence in remote locations.

Literacy and numeracy skills are essential for this field. Check your literacy and numeracy skills for work in this industry:

Possible career paths

  • Entry-level picking and packing roles can lead to working as a storeperson or a purchasing and logistics clerk. Doing a Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations could help you progress your career.
  • You can start out with a basic drivers’ license and work as a delivery driver. You could progress to a medium rigid and/or heavy rigid drivers’ license and become a truck driver. Employers may prefer you to undertake your truck driver training while you work. By doing this, they can make sure you have the practical experience to be confident and safe.
  • Manual picking and packing roles can lead to being a forklift driver, or operator of an automated picking and packing machine. You could progress to become a:
    • stevedore (unloading containers from ships) or
    • handle bulk materials like grains or hazardous materials.
  • Train driving is another machinery operation role that requires a qualification. You can learn this role as part of a traineeship with a rail operator.

The type of person who suits this work

This work suits people who:

  • are positive about work and their colleagues
  • have an interest in customer service
  • can communicate well in a team environment
  • can read and understand instructions
  • can complete tasks accurately
  • can work by themselves and stay on task
  • can operate and/or work alongside equipment in a safe manner
  • interested in learning about ICT systems, equipment operation, and load management.

Qualifications can be helpful but aren’t essential for all entry-level roles. Most employers will need the following before you can start work with them:

  • medical clearance
  • clean drug and alcohol test results
  • current driver’s licence
  • national police check.

Applying for jobs

Get free coaching on writing job applications, doing interviews and preparing for work:

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Finding vacancies

Online jobs’ boards can make finding a job easier. You can customise searches and apply with a few clicks.

  • Go to the Workforce Australia Online and from the industries drop down menu select: Transportation & Logistics
  • Look for hidden vacancies with recruitment agencies, labour hire firms and on apprenticeship jobs boards on Jobs Hub
  • Find traineeships on Apprenticeship Network Provider job boards.