2013 saw the launch of the Logistics Guild. There is even a stairway to measure your existing place on the ladder of logistics and map your future progression to qualifications available to you. Logistics is a particularly strong fit for vocation qualification routes, for different job roles you will likely need more than a driving licence, you will need sector specific qualifications to progress. There are funded routes for that progression, you may find your first steps in logistics via a college, a private training provider or an employer taking you into an apprenticeship. The sector has a reputation for a varied career path that will offer great opportunity, with the move of retail activity from the high street to home delivery you will be entering a growth sector, technology has brought great change to communications and route systems, RFID in warehouse patterns and GPS in road directions. Yu will need a handle on that technology to succeed.

The pathways

Vocational qualifications are strong, start from level one QCF NVQ in warehouse & storage. Unemploed? Pre-employment routes are in place, Strong spread of driver qualifications exist, it's not just about a licence. DCPC and CPC piggy back with apprenticeships routes. Higher apprenticeships and further.

Foundation degrees

, looking for a step into management, Hull college re-validated their Express logistics' foundation degree with the Open university in 2013. There are a variety of other colleges and Universities providing routes.

Honours degrees

Senior management often say I just dropped into logistics.

For Sept 2013 Huddersfield University have an honours degree entry for post a level students, a true graduate route with strong job prospects.

Ever more senior managers have taken a masters to progress the senior stairway of the sector. Hull focus on ports, Westminster on air. NSAL have worked with Coventry for a new foundation degree.  Hull College are re launching their Foundation degree on the Open University. Huddersfield are set to deliver the first logistics degree Sept 2013 with job focus from engaged courier companies. The academic scene is changing.

This generation of logisticians will face change never before seen in the sector. A revolution in technology has brought need for skills never before seen in the logistics sector

Masters degrees

Derby University have a supply chain improvement masters, Manchester Metropolitan also Supply Chain, Sheffield, Hull and Westminster amongst a run of others. A more detailed picture Check the skills council web for qualification detail www.skillsforlogistics.org It is here you will find a stairway to map our route in logistics or find your current platform and future qualification progression. Then have a look at the National Skills academy for logistics for where you can access the courses and what funding is available www.nsal.org.uk In any doubt it's time to look at the employers, surf their webs and review their apprenticeship routes to start your career in logistics.

A short NVQ outline below, there are many more on the skills council web.

NVQs (SVQs in Scotland) are practical work-based qualifications that are recognised by employers and colleges throughout the UK. They are awarded to people who have proved their skill, knowledge and understanding of all aspects of their job. These qualifications demonstrate an individual's occupational competence in their job role. Skills for Logistics have developed a range of NVQ/SVQs for the road freight industry including driving, warehouse work and traffic office duties. A fact sheet is available for each N/SVQ, which includes further information and the units required for each N/SVQ level.

Carry & Deliver Goods (CDG), available at Level 2

Carry and Deliver Goods is for candidates involved in the transport and delivery of goods by light vehicle, van, motor cycle or pedal cycle. It involves the individual being able to work effectively both on their own and with others and to observe health, safety and security guidelines. In addition candidates have to exhibit the ability to develop good customer service skills, complete pre and post delivery routines and plan routes and timings for journeys. The N/SVQ: CDG Factsheet provides information on the mandatory modules along with the optional modules required to achieve these N/SVQs.

Distribution, Warehousing & Storage Operations (DWSO),available at Levels 1, 2 and 3

The Distribution, Warehousing & Storage Operations NVQs are for candidates dealing with the handling and storing of goods within a commercial, wholesale or industrial environment. It is a significantly different qualification to the Storage & Warehousing S/NVQ and reflects the demand for a qualification appropriate across different sectors. The level 1 qualification is for employees who have job roles such as warehouse assistants. The Level 2 Qualification is designed for operatives who can show awareness and understanding of their role functions with special consideration to health and safety and security concerns as well as goods storage and movement processes. Level 3 requires the candidate to demonstrate a broader range of skills, taking into account planning, auditing and team development processes. The N/SVQ:DWSO Factsheet provides information on the mandatory modules along with the optional modules required to achieve these N/SVQs.

Driving Goods Vehicles (DGV), available at Levels 2 & 3. Available as an SVQ

This qualification is specifically targeted at drivers. The Level 2 Qualification is for goods vehicle drivers who can demonstrate a specified level of competence to conduct their job effectively. This involves a combination of driving skills and pre-driving preparation assessment. Level 3 develops these skills offering a broader assessment and is aimed at professional goods vehicle drivers. The N/SVQ: DGV Factsheet provides information on the mandatory modules along with the optional modules required to achieve these N/SVQs.

International Trade and Services (ITAS), available Levels 2, 3 and 4

The International Trade & Services qualification are specifically designed for individuals who are employed within an organisation involved in the import and export of goods. At Level 2, an employee is expected to exhibit an awareness of the requirements for the movement of goods and services, health and safety concerns and the importance of customer service. Level 3 develops these skills further with more emphasis put on the planning, organisational and monitoring processes as well as the development of customer facing skills. Level 4 then progresses onto requiring candidates to exhibit managerial skills through the effective maintenance and development of service processes and the ability to implement changes to improve the efficiency of the service provided. The NVQ: ITAS Factsheet provides information on the mandatory modules along with the optional modules required to achieve these NVQs.

Storage and Warehousing (S&W), available at Levels 2 and 3

This qualification is aimed at employees who deal with the handling and storing of goods within a commercial, industrial or removers' warehouse or freight facility. The Level 2 qualification is aimed at employees who work within roles such as a warehouse operative. There is progression to Level 3, which is for individuals involved in the management or supervision of a warehouse/removals operation. The N/SVQ: SW Factsheet provides information on the mandatory modules along with the optional modules required to achieve these N/SVQs.

Traffic Office (TO), Level 2 & 3. SVQ only

Traffic Office is for candidates involved with planning and organising the land transport and movement of goods. At Level 2 the candidate has to exhibit the ability to contribute to effective working relations and ensure health and safety procedures are observed in addition to job specific functions such as customer service, planning, routing and the scheduling of deliveries. At Level 3, the candidate takes forward these skills by forging effective relationships with colleagues and customers, planning the allocation of resources required for specific tasks and monitoring the delivery of goods. The N/SVQ:TO Factsheet provides information on the mandatory modules required to achieve these N/SVQs.

For details of Approved Training Organisations please call Skills for Logistics on 0870 242 7314.