Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Career Cluster.

by Sunny Morris.
Last Updated by Joel Bush.

Public Categorized as Talent.

Tagged with distribution and logistics career cluster and transportation.

The workforce in the U.S. is generally divided into 16 major career clusters, one of which is Transportation, Distribution and Logistics (TDL). The TDL career cluster has 7 different pathways:

Transportation Operations
Logistics Planning & Management Services
Warehousing & Distribution Center Operations
Facility & Mobile Equipment Operations
Transportation Systems, Infrastructure, Planning, Management & Regulation
Health, Safety, & Environmental Management
Sales & Service

The Arkansas Delta WIRED region has begun creation of a database of skill standards associated with the TDL career cluster, beginning with the Warehousing & Distribution Center Operation. This work is supported in part by the National Science Foundation.

The following extract explains the TDL career cluster and 7 pathways.

CAREER CLUSTERS—FOCUSING EDUCATION ON THE FUTURE

Preparing for Career Success

in Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

he Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Career Cluster is divided into seven pathways. Pathways are grouped by the knowledge and skills required of occupations in these career fields. Each pathway provides instruction, which will give you the foundations necessary to become successful in any of several careers and educational pursuits.

The Seven Pathways

Transportation Operations

Logistics Planning and Management

Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations

Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance

Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulations

Health and Safety Management

Sales and Service

What is the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Cluster?

This diverse Career Cluster exposes students to careers and businesses involved in the planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and products by road, air, rail and water. It also includes related professional and technical support services such as infrastructure planning and management, logistic services, and the maintenance of mobile equipment and facilities.

Employment Outlook

Transportation, distribution and logistics is a critical sector of the United States economy. Almost 10 million people are employed in transportation or transportation-related occupations. High-growth industry and career specialties offer high-tech, high-wage opportunities. This industry sector represents over 11 percent of the gross domestic product, and is among the fastest growing of all sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in employment in this sector through 2012. There will be a growing number of career opportunities in a variety of professional and technical occupations as well as high-paid, entry-level occupations that can provide career advancement opportunities.

CAREER CLUSTERS—FOCUSING EDUCATION ON THE FUTURE

Transportation Operations

Overview

Careers in the Transportation Operations pathway are really on the move! These are the people that drive or pilot the vehicles that transport people and freight. Equally important to this pathway are the support people who ensure that any cargo transport is safe, secure, and on time.

Sample Occupations and careers included in this career pathway

Transportation managers

Pilots

Locomotive engineers

Flight engineers and attendants

Truck and bus drivers

Air traffic controllers

Ship and boat captains

Aircraft cargo handling supervisors

Railroad brake signal and switch operators

Airfield operations specialists

Terminal supervisors

Postsecondary Certificates & Licensure Requirements

Commercial Pilot’s Licenses are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Air traffic controllers are selected through a competitive Federal Civil Service and FAA process.

Most rail transportation workers receive extensive on-the-job training.

Bus and truck drivers are required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) from the state in which they live.

Requirements for the water transportation industry are established and regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Available certificates include Certified Professional Fleet Manager (CPFM).

Associate and B.S. degrees are available in Business, Logistics, Engineering and Transportation.

Employment Outlook

Overall, growth in the national economy is expected to require significant increases in the use of air, rail and ship transportation operations. In the airline industry, keen competition is projected for most of the occupations as applicants exceed job openings. Persons seeking employment as flight attendants with a college degree or experience in dealing with the public should find favorable job opportunities. Recently, both the transit and trucking industries have reported difficulties in attracting qualified applicants. Individuals interested in intercity or long-distance positions should experience ample opportunities.

CAREER CLUSTERS—FOCUSING EDUCATION ON THE FUTURE

Logistics Planning and Management

Overview

Careers in the Logistics Planning and Management pathway involve the planning, management and control of the physical distribution of materials, products, and people. Often, more than one mode of transportation is used as distribution efforts can be complex, even national or global. These people are responsible for the plans which will ensure that cargo arrives at the right location, on time, and in the safest, most economical manner.

Occupations and careers included in this career pathway

Logisticians

Logistics managers

Logistics engineers and analysts

Consultants

International logistics specialists

Postsecondary Certificates and Licensure Requirements

Associate and B.S. degrees in Business, Marketing, Logistics, Engineering and Transportation.

Certificates available include Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) and Certified in Transportation and Logistics (CTL) certificates.

Employment Outlook

Growth is projected for the occupations in this growing career field. Many opportunities should be available for qualified applicants in the private sector, such as large manufacturers and wholesale and retail trade. Opportunities will also be available in government, especially with the armed forces.

CAREER CLUSTERS—FOCUSING EDUCATION ON THE FUTURE

Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations

Overview

Careers in Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations focus on the operation of transportation and distribution facilities including ports, terminals, warehouses, and other types of facilities. All cargo needs to be tracked, sorted, labeled, and loaded accurately and safely. Timing is also important, since many loads must adhere to a schedule in order to satisfy the needs of the customer.

Occupations and careers included in this career pathway

Storage and distribution managers

Warehouse managers

Industrial and packaging engineers

Shipping and receiving supervisors

Production, planning, and expediting clerks

Freight and material movers and supervisors

Postsecondary Certificates and Licensure Requirements

Many colleges offer two- and four-year degree programs in Engineering, Transportation and Business.

Many managers and supervisors take advantage of on-the-job training and gain job-related experience in order to advance in their careers.

Associate degrees are available in Warehouse Management.

Employment Outlook

Growth is projected for the occupations in this pathway as the national economy expands. The warehousing industry itself is projected to grow a little faster or around 23 percent through 2012. With the continuing introduction of automation in this industry, the demand for qualified managers and supervisors will provide numerous job opportunities. Employers increasingly prefer to hire entry-level managers and supervisors with postsecondary training and computer skills.

CAREER CLUSTERS—FOCUSING EDUCATION ON THE FUTURE

Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance

Overview

Careers in the Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance pathway include the maintenance, repair, and servicing of vehicles and transportation facilities, as well as the refueling of mobile equipment. All transportation relies on equipment which must function as designed, whenever needed. The people in this pathway keep the equipment and machinery running while looking for more efficient, safe, and cost-effective ways to do so.

Occupations and careers included in this career pathway

Industrial equipment mechanics

Electricians and technicians

Facility maintenance managers and engineers

Mobile equipment maintenance managers, technicans and mechanics

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians

Diesel engine specialists

Postsecondary Certificates and Licensure Requirements

Colleges offer four-year degree programs in Engineering and related fields.

Many mechanics and technicians in this field learn their trade through a four-year apprenticeship program, sponsored by a local trade union, combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training.

Many career technical schools and community colleges offer formal training programs in equipment maintenance and repair.

Electronics technicians can seek certification through the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) or the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA).

Certificates are available in Airframe/Powerplant Mechanic, Avionics Repair and Aviation Maintenance as well as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Employment Outlook

As more firms continue to introduce expanded automation, the need for skilled applicants in this pathway will grow. Companies increasingly depend on technicians, engineers and mechanics to guard against equipment malfunction due to the high cost of down time. Qualified applicants should encounter ample job opportunities.

CAREER CLUSTERS—FOCUSING EDUCATION ON THE FUTURE

Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulations

Overview

Careers in the Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management and Regulation pathway deal with all aspects of the design and operation of our public transportation systems – road, air, sea and rail. These functions are primarily the responsibility of people who are employed by federal, state and local transportation agencies. Many businesses work to assist these agencies in their efforts.

Occupations and careers included in this career pathway

Traffic engineers and technicians

Urban and regional planners

Civil engineers and technicians

Vehicle and system inspectors

Environmental compliance inspectors

Federal, state, and local government transportation agency careers

Postsecondary Certificates and Licensure Requirements

Many colleges offer four-year degree programs in Engineering, Public Administration and Urban Planning or two- and four-year programs in Engineering Technology and related fields.

Career technical institutes and career technical schools offer several training programs, from one to two years in length, including some associate degree programs.

Most entry-level positions for urban and regional planners require a master’s degree; nationally, there are about 80 accredited master’s and 10 accredited bachelor’s degree programs.

Most inspector occupations require specialized certification through a government agency.

The American Planning Association awards certificates as Certified Planners.

Employment Outlook

Employment for occupations in this pathway is expected to grow faster than average as the national population and economy expand. Many of these positions are in federal, state and local government agencies. Thus, employment in this field is seldom affected by economic swings. This provides significant job security. Many job opportunities will arise due to the need to replace experienced workers as they retire.

CAREER CLUSTERS—FOCUSING EDUCATION ON THE FUTURE

Health, Safety and Environmental Management

Overview

Careers in the Health and Safety Management pathway involve assessing and managing risks associated with safety and environmental issues. The well-being of people and our environment is more important and challenging today than ever before in history. The people employed in this important pathway research, plan and carry out activities to make our environment safer and cleaner.

Occupations and careers included in this career pathway

Health and safety managers

Industrial health and safety engineers

Environmental scientists, specialists, technicians, managers and engineers

Environmental compliance inspectors

Safety analysts

Postsecondary Certificates and Licensure Requirements

Many colleges offer two-and four-year programs in Business, Engineering, and Engineering Technology. \

Career technical institutes and career technical schools offer several training programs from one to two years in length, including some associate degree programs.

Most safety engineers and technicians and environmental compliance inspectors require specialized certification.

Employment Outlook

Growth is projected for occupations in health and safety management. The public continues to demand a safe and healthy environment, while at the same time pushing for smaller government and fewer regulations. Employment is rarely affected by economic fluctuations, thereby providing considerable job security. Many job openings will occur as experienced workers transfer to administrative positions or retire.

CAREER CLUSTERS—FOCUSING EDUCATION ON THE FUTURE

Sales and Service

Overview

Careers in the Sales and Service pathway involve the marketing and selling of transportation services to new customers as well as the management of existing customer relationships and customer service. Transportation businesses move passengers and freight to meet customer needs and demands. Successful businesses need skilled employees to provide excellent customer service.

Occupations and careers included in this career pathway

Marketing managers

Sales managers

Sales representatives

Reservation and travel agents

Cargo and freight agents

Customer service managers and representatives

Customer order and billing supervisors

Cashiers

Postsecondary Certificates and Licensure Requirements

A wide range of two- and four-year degree programs at colleges are suitable for entry into business, sales and marketing careers.

Many career technical schools offer short-term training programs for occupations in the travel and customer service sectors.

Certificates are available for Certified Travel Associate and Certified Travel Counselor.

Employment Outlook

Employment for these occupations will grow as tourism and business travel expands over the next decade. Growth is projected, with most of the job openings arising as experienced workers transfer to related occupations or retire.

CAREER CLUSTERS—FOCUSING EDUCATION ON THE FUTURE

The 16 Career Clusters

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Architecture & Construction

Arts, A/V Technology & Communications

Business, Management & Administration

Education & Training

Finance

Government & Public Administration

Health Science

Hospitality & Tourism

Human Services