Training in the logistics sector
Apprenticed occupations are widely available in the logistics sector. They range from professional drivers to administrators for courier, express and postal services. And IT apprenticeships are even available in the field of e-logistics.
A traditional apprenticed occupation is that of the professional driver. As well as driving, compulsory subjects on the training program also include vehicle mechanics, route planning, information and communication technology, and securing loads. Since 2005, an apprenticeship as a service driver has been available. In addition to delivering and fetching goods, a service driver provides more sophisticated services for the customer (e.g. maintenance and care of equipment, sale of goods).
In the field of warehouse management, there is a two-year training course as a warehouse specialist and a three-year training course as a specialist for warehouse logistics. Besides the use of modern technology, such as conveyor facilities and fork lifts, PCs and barcode systems, both careers normally include a certain amount of physical activity such as lifting and carrying goods.
The tendency of companies in this sector to specialize in specific fields has led to entirely new job descriptions, since different types of logistical services require very different specialist skills. For example, there are specialists for courier, express and postal services, as well as for mail and freight transport and even for port logistics, who are experts in the specific requirements of their respective sectors.
There are also specialized office jobs for the logistics sector: from the apprenticeship as an administrator for haulage and logistics services to the profession as an administrator for courier, express and postal services.
On the other hand, e-logistics companies are particularly in need of IT system electronics technicians, IT specialists, IT system administrators and IT administrators, and train them on the job.
There are numerous occupations involving an apprenticeship that are related more or less directly to the logistics industry, such as inland shipping, specialists in recycling and waste management, as well as a variety of office professions.
A good overview of all officially recognized apprenticed occupations in Germany is available from the websites of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung, or BIBB for short) or the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) at www.berufenet.de.
Specific information about individual apprenticed occupations in the logistics industry is available on the internet from the German Association of Goods Haulage and Waste Disposal (Bundesverband Güterkraftverkehr und Entsorgung) and the Trade Association for Haulage and Logistics (Fachvereinigung Spedition und Logistik).
