Transport & Logistices Occupations

Key points for selected transport and logistics occupations

• There were approximately 92,000 persons employed in transport and logistics occupations, representing just over 5% of total national employment
• Just over 60,000 persons were employed as road transport operatives (mostly as taxi and cab drivers and chauffeurs; and large goods vehicle drivers), equivalent to almost two thirds of total employment in the selected occupations
• Employment contracted by 5.4% on average annually over the period 2007-2011, with approximately 23,000 net job losses recorded during that period ― most of the job losses were for road transport operatives and mobile machine drivers & operatives
• Between 2010 and 2011, overall employment in the selected occupations declined by 0.5%, resulting in a small number of net job losses
• The age profile of the overall workforce of road transport operatives was the most mature among the selected occupations ― just over one quarter of those employed was aged 55 and over; within this category, the highest share of workers aged 55 and over was for bus and coach drivers ― at almost two fifths ― one of the highest shares among operative occupations in the national workforce
• The overall workforce of transport and logistics occupations was predominantly male
• The overall workforce of transport and logistics occupations was skewed towards lower education levels; only 16% of all employed persons held third level qualifications, while over two fifths held lower secondary or less qualifications or higher secondary/FET qualifications

Shortage Indicators

As a small open economy, Ireland‘s economic performance is strongly dependant on its capacity to effectively manage a range of business activities in a global context. The skills needed to support these business activities include proficiency in foreign languages, an ability to manage customer relations in an international context, and expertise in international supply chain management. There is some evidence to suggest that the skills mix available in these areas may not be sufficient to support growth in international trade.