With the constant evolution of technology and the introduction of automation and robotization in the logistics sector, companies are demanding more and more professional profiles with different skills than they once needed, and these are becoming more and more difficult to obtain. This is highlighted by the Report on the Present and Future Scenario for VET & Logistics in Europe.
The research has been prepared by the Fundació BCN Formació Profesional, in collaboration with the XarxaFP European VET Mobility Network, an organization founded in 1999 that includes more than 600 European Union (EU) VET centers located in 39 cities in 15 European countries, and aims to promote innovation in Vocational Education.
The aforementioned report emphasizes that the logistics industry suffers from a shortage of qualified professional profiles and describes the reasons why companies cannot find them. It also explains which professionals are most in demand in the sector now and in the future; as well as the essential skills and abilities they must have.

Today, the 5 professions most in demand in the logistic sector

The research identifies the profiles that are most in demand in the logistics industry today and are very difficult to find. In all the countries analyzed by the research, including Spain, workers are needed for the following three jobs:

• Tow truck driver. There is currently a significant shortage of qualified semi-trailer and road train drivers, with many leaving the industry in search of jobs with better pay, benefits and working conditions, according to the report. At the same time, the pandemic has led to a shortage of trailers, as increased demand has led to reduced supply. These conditions, added to the shortage of workers, make it difficult to find professionals to work as drivers of these vehicles, according to the study. However, to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill this profession, VET studies are required, such as the Intermediate Road Vehicle Driving Training Cycle.
• Truck driver (truck driver and crane operator). Truck drivers and crane operators are also in high demand, especially the former. They are responsible for transporting orders and distributing them to the final customer. This profile requires a person with a mechanical orientation, a good sense of direction, determination and problem solving skills. It's a demanding job because of the long hours spent away from home, many of them on the road, the report says. Factors such as an aging workforce and insufficient numbers of new hires due to working conditions and image issues related to the profession make this profile one of the most sought after in the industry.
• Warehouse workers. Warehouse workers, such as warehouse keepers or warehouse managers, are responsible for handling, storage, replenishment, and ordering. The automation of certain processes has helped improve and fulfill the responsibilities of these professional profiles; therefore, employees must be familiar with new technologies. To fill this position, for example, the training of a Senior Transport and Logistics Technician is required. In addition to the aforementioned profiles required in the logistics sector of the countries analyzed in the study, other specific ones are needed in Spain, specifically in Barcelona, according to the report.
• International trade technician. The main function of the international trade technician is the buying and selling of goods and services by companies in different countries. For example, raw materials, food and other products. All purchases and sales are made in the international market. Its purpose is to expand business markets and access to goods and services. To fill this position, a Higher Diploma in International Trade or another related qualification is required, although the report suggests that the logistics industry prioritizes Vocational Education profiles.
• Transport operator or manager. A manager or transport manager in the logistics sector is responsible for the maintenance and management of the transport service for goods and products. In general, they are technical profiles with Vocational Training in Transport and Logistics.