Sector Spotlight: Transport

Land transport is a critical industry – just ask the millions of commuters who take the bus and train every day. Therefore, it continued to be supported through the Covid-19 pandemic and demand is expected to pick up afterwards. Transport operators and firms are still recruiting staff, especially engineers, so those with an interest are recommended to look into this sector.

Some figures include:

-8,500 transport companies in Singapore employ more than 120,000  workers
– 8,000 jobs to be created in the industry by 2030
– $31,360.10m contribution to Singapore’s GDP in 2018

Hiring in Transport

Opportunities in the transport industry are not limited to engineering or driving roles. There has been an increased interest in Autonomous Vehicles (AVs), electric vehicles, and remodeling the transport systems to be more friendly and inclusive. Building a reliable public transportation system is a pressing priority everywhere, and that translates to a solid pipeline of new opportunities in the field.

What jobs are available in transport?

Driver

Driving License
No experience needed
$1,800-$2,500/month
A driver transports goods or people from one place to another. This often means they move products from a manufacturing plant to a retail or distribution center. They need to have mechanical knowledge and be able to maneuver their vehicle, and to be able to complete their drive within a given amount of time. Drivers spend lots of time away from home, and are often alone in their vehicle, hence, they must be comfortable with the irregular schedule and the physical demands of the job.

Service Controller

  • Diploma
  • 1-2 years experience
  • $1,800-$2,300/month
  • A Service Controller works from the back room to plan and supports operations teams in achieving optimal deployment of buses and bus drivers. As part of the job, the Service Controllers adhere to operational policies, procedures and service controls while ensuring optimal allocation of resources. The position may also require a Service Controller to monitor bus service performance in a real-time environment and minimise service delays using an online support system.

Engineer

  • Degree in Engineering or related field
  • 1-3 years experience
  • $3,000/month – $7,600/month
  • An Engineer in the transport field monitors vehicle performance to ensure safety and reliability. They identify system degradation, diagnose causes of failures and errors, and maintain and upgrades vehicles to reduce downtime. This role requires a great deal of technical knowledge regarding the specific vehicles as well as a thorough engineering background. Problem-solvers who enjoy knowing how things work will flourish as engineers. As the requirements of this position vary widely depending on experience and company, the starting salary can change significantly.

Interchange Manager

  • Degree or post-graduate diploma in Logistics/Transportation, Business
  • Studies/Administration/Management or Commerce
  • 3-5 years experience
  • $3,700.00 – $7,600.00
  • An Interchange Manager oversees a bus interchange, comprising of the bus services, The Interchange Manager leads the team in bus interchange operations. This role requires knowledge of budgets, manpower, staff performance, and customer service. It may also require shift work or extra work on holidays and weekends, as the bus system functions all year round.

What qualifications are needed for a career in this sector?

The transport sector is one of the easiest to enter, as all some jobs require is a driving license. However, to move on to further opportunities, a relevant diploma was expected mostly.

Certain jobs, such as Interchange Manager, required specialised qualifications, but this did not apply to most jobs in the sector. Additionally, companies appeared to be open to hiring based on related experience rather than qualifications.

What career opportunities are there in the sector?

Guided by the Land Transport Industry Transformation Map, the industry aims to increase the use of public transport, improve the reliability of bus and rail services and shorten commuting time. These contribute to a goal to add up to 8,000 jobs to the industry by 2030.

Additionally, transport last-mile fulfilment services serving critical sectors such as healthcare saw a surge in demand. Correspondingly, hiring opportunities are available in these roles.

Apply for a career in transport now!