AppId is over the quota
The transport & logistics sector is often misunderstood when it comes to careers for women. It is surrounded by misconceptions:
Not an interesting sector to work inA male-focused environmentJobs are low-skilled or manualLimited scope for womenThe list goes on. Reality, I am delighted to say, tells us something completely different.
Let me smash each of these misconceptions:
Transport & logistics may not necessarily have the appeal of, say, the ‘sexier’ aerospace sector, but I can honestly say that it is one of the most important. Without the planning and distribution of resources, society would cease to exist as we know it. How would food be transported not only in the UK, but across the world? How would people be transported to work or explore the world? When you stop and think about it - the importance can't be underestimatedThere is no denying that women are outnumbered by men in transport & logistics (75% of employees are male*) but the tide is most definitely turning. Research in mid-2012 by everywoman showed a marked increase in the number of women who feel their career aspirations can be fulfilled in the sector – 94% compared to 83% in 2011.Sure there are manual jobs but just as the sector is so varied so are the types of jobs available. From truck and passenger drivers, warehouse workers and forklift operators, to those for people skilled in planning, business development, marketing, finance, project management, human resources, language specialists, etc. the sector has positions for people at all levels of skills and education. The sheer variety of work available is what makes the sector so interesting to work in.Many women hold top positions and head up large companies as well as those who are drivers, have administration roles straight out of school, are on management/graduate training programmes or at various levels of management.The sector can be demanding and those I know who work within it have a high level of pride in how they have chosen to earn their living. Women can, and do, enjoy successful careers in the sector and there are no limits for women especially when it comes to entry routes. This last point is important for the many girls choosing their path after school who want more than a job - they want to have a varied and fulfilling career.
A shining example of a woman who chose to start her career straight from school rather than continue on the university route is Stephanie Unitt. Stephanie started on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) and worked her way up through the ranks to be a Regional Stock & Audit Manager gaining qualifications on the way. Her passion and enthusiasm for the environment changed her career path and Stephanie is now Environment Advisor at CEVA Logistics. In recognition of her achievements, Stephanie was awarded the Green Champion Award at the 2012 everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards (now the Innovation and Sustainability Award).
As the transport & logistics sector has so many facets and levels there are many opportunities for advancement or a career change. One lady who really embodies this is Jane Weaver of AYS Couriers. Starting out as a PA within just a few years she launched a management buyout of the firm and drove a four-fold increase in turnover. Jane is a passionate believer in the opportunities that logistics offers – as she states “I would say to anyone thinking of either starting their own business or moving into transport and togistics without experience – do it!”. Her career achievements led her to win the Director of the Year Award at the 2012 everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.
Stephanie and Jane are just two incredible examples of not only the varied roles in the sector but also of the different routes to the fulfilling careers they both have. The transport & logistics sector is changing which is great news for women seeking a career in this exciting and important area. The changes are reflected in this year’s everywoman FTA Transport & Logistics Awards with two new categories (Industry Champion and Innovation and Sustainability) and the scope being widened to include passenger transport for the first time.
If you are a woman working in transport & logistics or you know a woman who does then you still have time to enter these awards as nominations do not close until Monday 11th February.
* Road Haulage Association 2011
Take Laurie Bartram for example. At just 21 years of age Laurie passed her Class 1 (C+E). She became one of the youngest women in the country to get a full Driver’s Certificate of Professional Competence and Drivers Qualifications Card, and topped this by becoming Commercial Driver of the Year in the 2012 everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards. “Being an HGV driver is not for everyone but being a woman is not an issue,” says Laurie. “There’s a lot of work out there if you’re prepared to put the time and effort in, just make sure you are happy to be on your own for long periods of time. I have my dream job.” *
Nikki King OBE is another example of a woman reaching the heights. Fifteen years after returning from an eight year career break to raise her family, Nikki became the first female Managing Director of a UK commercial vehicle manufacturer. She was awarded the OBE for services to the road transport industry in 2002, is an active member of the Commercial Vehicle Show Committee and the first female Vice President of the Society of Operations Engineers. Nikki is also one of the judges for this year’s FTA everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.