Why consider work in the Transport, Logistics and Civil Construction Industries?

The Transport and Logistics industry employs more than half a million people across its major subsectors road transport, logistics, warehousing, and stevedoring.

There's heaps of opportunity in the sector, with pretty great pay, career progression and job outlooks.

Browse below to find out why it's such a valued industry, filled with opportunity for dedicated and skilled workers.

Peter Voorhoeve

“I strongly believe that ‘without truck drivers, Australia stops’. Collectively we can change the way professional truck drivers are perceived by society, hopefully resulting in more professional truck drivers entering our progressive and dynamic industry”

President and CEO of Volve Group Australia

THREE KEY FACTS

01

Skills Shortages

There is a shortage of employees, particularly young people, in these industries. That means there are some great opportunities too!

Heavy Vehicle Drivers

Educators, Trainers & Assessors

Warehousing and Logistics

Supervisors/Managers

More Info

02

Growth and Opportunities

The Transport, Logistics and Civil Construction industries are expected to grow significantly in Australia in the next 5 years.

10% projected growth in Construction

4.3% projected growth in Transport and Warehousing

More Info

03

Security and Wages

Employees in these industries are likely to have great job security and above average wages when employed in high-skilled positions.

Many opportunities

Great wages

Job security

Career progression

More Info

EMPLOYMENT SNAPSHOT

	Average Weekly Earnings	% Full-time Employed	Future Growth	Education Level Apprenticeships
Average	$1460	66%	-	-
Truck Drivers	$1590	85%	Moderate	Low
Warehousing Storeperson	$1052	73%	Strong	Low
Earthmoving Plant Operators	$1491	86%	Moderate	Low
Fleet Manager	$2191	93%	Stable	High
Supply and Distribution Manager	$2519	94%	Strong	Very High
Construction Manager	$3450	89%	Strong	Very High

I’M IN! HOW DO I GET STARTED?

There's heaps of ways you can go about getting started in the industry! Consider some of our recommendations below - they'll provide you with a great footing to start out, and open up some great avenues!

The report below also gives you a great insight into the industries of transport, warehousing and logistics. You'll see the latest trends, the current challenges, and how Australia can best prepare for the future.

Read the Australian Industry Standards report

GETTING STARTED

Gain Experience

Seek out some opportunities in the sector, such as working in a warehouse or logistics centre, or positions as a storeperson.

This can be a really great way to get your foot in the door and see others in the industry at work - you can learn from them too!

Develop soft skills and digital literacy

Digital literacy and Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills are required to respond and adapt to the fast pace of implementation of technologies.

Nontechnical skills (soft skills) such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity are integral to the successful adoption and implementation of industry-changing technologies.

Training and Education

Getting a great understanding of the industry and developing hands-on, practical skills, is really important in these industries.

Not only do you get a head-start in understanding the industry, but you're developing skills that can take you further and progress your career.

Research and network

When making a career decision, it's a great idea to do some thorough research on the sector. Find out the growth points and the different facets of the industry - you might find a niche you fall in love with.

Networking also plays a prominent role in these industries. You learn from those in the industry, but also gain insight into specific businesses or sectors. It's always great to know people in the know!

What do employers look for? What skills are involved?

It's really handy to know what employers in the industry look for in candidates. This has changes over the years, particularly as technology has evolved substantially. The culture of the industries has also shifted greatly, creating a more diverse and widely-skilled and broadly-experienced workforce.

Transferrable skills required in the industry

Priority Skills

From surveying an array of employers in industry, these were the key skills they prioritise when looking for employees.

Health and safety Driving

Operational Compliance

Digital

Transferrable Skills

These are skills you can easily bring from other industries, developed throughout your career and education.

Language, literacy and numeracy Leadership

Technology Learning agility Critical thinking

Communications and marketing Customer service

Environment and sustainability

What do employers look for?

Age and experience

Skills and attitude

Personality and communications

Advice to applicants

Watch Video

How to get started in the industry

Why consider work in the Transport, Logistics and Civil Construction Industries?

The Transport and Logistics industry employs more than half a million people across its major subsectors road transport, logistics, warehousing, and stevedoring.

“I strongly believe that ‘without truck DRIVERS, Australia stops’, and collectively we can change the way professional truck drivers are perceived by society, hopefully resulting in more professional truck drivers entering our progressive and dynamic industry.” Peter Voorhoeve, President and CEO of Volvo Group Australia.

Key facts

There is a shortage of employees, particularly young people, in the Transport, Logistics and Civil Construction Industries

Figure 1. http://www.australianindustrystandards.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/TLI-SF-FULL-2019.pdf

These industries are expected to grow in Australia in the next 5 years

Figure 2. https://australianjobs.employment.gov.au/jobs-industry/transport-postal-and-warehousing

Figure 3. https://australianjobs.dese.gov.au/jobs-industry/construction

"Trucks are responsible for transporting around 75 per cent of Australia’s non-bulk domestic freight, and this amount is expected to double by 2030." – Volvo report

Employees in these industries are likely to have
1. Secure full-time employment
2. Earn an average wage if employed in low skill positions and an above average wage when employed in high skilled positions

	Average	Truck Drivers	Warehousing/ Storeperson	Earth Moving Plant Operators
Average weekly earnings	$1460	$1509	$1052	$1491
% Full Time employed	66%	85%	73%	86%
Future Growth		Moderate	Strong	Moderate
Education level		Low	Low	Low

	Average	Fleet Manager	Supply & Distribution Manager	Construction Managers
Average weekly earnings	$1460	$2191	$2519	$3450
% Full Time employed	66%	93%	94%	89%
Future Growth		Stable	Strong	Strong
Education/Skill level		High	Very High	Very High

*data from JobOutlook.gov.au

So there is data to show that:

There are jobs. Jobs that pay well, and are secure.
There will continue to be jobs in these industries.

I’m in! How do I get started?

Get ready for that first day behind the wheel while your leg shakes from nervousness. Get ready for your first mountain pass with 80,000 pounds pushing you downhill. Get ready to see some of the most beautiful sights in the world as well as some of the most rundown parts of our major cities. Get ready for independence and solitude. Get ready to meet some incredibly unique people in some even more incredibly unique places. This is truck driving. It's a crazy lifestyle, but it might just be the change you're looking for.

Click here to read a truckers opinon on why people become truck drivers