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Helping you find a career in the transport industry

Transport is wide industry covering air, rail, sea and roads. Working in transport means you could be planning, building, managing or developing the systems of transport that we rely on every day.

The transport industry needs planners to think through new routes and put them through the relevant approval processes before they can be built. In this stage they also must consider how they are going to be maintained and if they will be able to support the demands of future generations.

To work in transport planning you'll need to be savvy about policies and up to date with environmental and sustainability issues.

Over the past five years the government has invested more than 61 billion in the improvement of transport networks. It's a great time to get involved with the industry and work potentially work on some projects that will shape the future of transport in the country - like the HS2.

To execute these projects, and maintain our current systems, the industry relies on teams of engineers, designers, project managers and logistics experts. There is space for those with all different skillsets in the transport industry.

N Written by Navdeep

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Skills & interests required for a career in Transport

Working in the transport industry you will need to have a logical mind, especially if you are on the planning side. You'll also need a good understanding of policies and regulations, but you will learn this either through education or training.

You will also likely need to have creative problem solving skills as transport can be affected by a number of external factors beyond your control - such as bad weather. This means that you will have to find solutions to these setbacks that allow projects to be completed on time.

As a project manager, or transport planner, you'll need to be highly organised and able to multitask effectively. You will also require strong communication skills to liaise with clients and other teams that are involved with transport projects.

Depending on your role, you may also require a full and clean driving licence. Knowledge of transport policies is also desirable.

Other skills that may benefit you in the transport industry include:

Transport apprenticeships & other career progress routes for school leavers

There is no predefined progression route within transport, as it will depend which area of the industry that you wish to work in. As a driver, whether it be a ship, plane, car or train, your pay will increase with experience and you could move into teaching roles.

If you decide to pursue an apprenticeship as a town planning technician, you will begin as an assistant and then eventually move into a senior position with experience. You may be given teams to manage.

As a planner, you would slowly take on more responsibilities on larger projects before eventually managing your own. Eventually, you may choose to move into other closely related areas such as town planning, policy development or consultancy.

Tips for getting into the field

Try to source work experience and shadowing opportunities. All local authorities have a transport department, so this could be your first port of call to find a placement.

What do Transport professionals get paid?

According to the National Careers Service you will start at around £22,000 in transport planning, and your salary can rise up to £50,000 with experience.

Here are some other average salaries of common jobs within the transport industry:

Train driver - £47,705
Pilot - £36,000 to start, but this can increase to £140,000
Cabin Crew - £21,000
Road worker - £16,000-£40,000
Bus driver - £22,000

What qualifications do I need for a career in Transport?

The qualifications that you require to work in transport will entirely depend on the role that you wish to do. To be a train driver, for example, requires you to follow a very specific training path.

To work in transport planning you will typically require a degree in a related field such as economics or geography. Then you will need to get a masters in transport planning.

As a road worker, you will require the practical skills (and sometimes qualifications) to operate heavy machinery. With a Higher National Diploma you are able to become a transport planning assistant and you could potentially pursue the necessary qualifications to become a transport planner at a later date in agreement with your employer.