How to start a career in logistics

A forklift is driving through a large warehouse.

Looking to start a career in logistics but don’t have any previous experience? You’re not alone. With the UK logistics industry booming—thanks to e-commerce growth, warehousing expansion, and supply chain innovation—there’s never been a better time to take the first step. At Barker Ross Recruitment, we help jobseekers like you get into logistics roles every day, even with little or no experience.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to break into the industry, what entry-level logistics jobs to look for, and how to grow your career from day one.

Why Choose a Career in Logistics?

The logistics sector is one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries. It covers everything from warehousing and transport to supply chain coordination and inventory management.

Top reasons to consider a logistics career:

Plenty of entry-level jobs available
Opportunities to progress quickly
High demand for workers across the UK
Flexible shifts and working patterns
Great earning potential with overtime and training

Entry-Level Logistics Jobs (No Experience Needed)

At Barker Ross, we regularly place candidates in entry-level logistics jobs that require no prior experience. Some of the most popular include:

Job Title	Typical Duties	Average Pay (UK)
Warehouse Operative	Picking, packing, loading/unloading	£10.50–£12.00/hour
Forklift Driver (Training Provided)	Moving goods within warehouse	£12.00–£15.00/hour
Delivery Assistant	Assisting with local deliveries	£10.00–£11.50/hour
Logistics Support Assistant	Stock checks, admin tasks	£11.00–£13.00/hour

Many employers provide on-the-job training, PPE, and even forklift certifications for free if you show reliability and a willingness to learn.

Where Are the Jobs?

We work with some of the UK’s leading logistics companies in key locations such as:

Leicester
Nottingham
Milton Keynes
Northampton
Peterborough

Search our current logistics job vacancies or register with us to be the first to hear about new opportunities.

What Skills Do You Need?

Even if you’ve never worked in logistics, the following transferable skills are highly valued:

Good timekeeping and reliability
Attention to detail
Physical fitness (for manual handling roles)
Teamwork and communication
Basic IT or stock control systems knowledge

Career Progression in Logistics

One of the best things about working in logistics is how quickly you can climb the ladder. With just a few months of experience, you could move into roles like:

Team Leader or Shift Supervisor
Transport Coordinator
Stock Controller or Inventory Manager
HGV Driver (with training)

Many logistics firms promote from within and offer funded apprenticeships or NVQ training programmes.

How to Apply for a Logistics Job Today

Getting started is easier than you think:

Register online with Barker Ross – it's free and takes just a few minutes.
Speak to our team – we’ll match you with the right opportunities near you.
Prepare for work – we’ll guide you through training, onboarding and site inductions.

Whether you're looking for temporary logistics jobs, permanent placements, or night shift work, we’ve got something that suits your needs.

Start Your Logistics Career with Barker Ross

We’ve helped thousands of candidates start rewarding careers in logistics across the UK—no experience required. If you’re ready to take the first step, get in touch with us today or browse our latest logistics jobs.

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Two people building strong business relationships over a cup of coffee

Your Temporary Staffing Partner Should Make Operations Easier — Not Harder

By Michelle Toulouse • February 18, 2026

For many industrial and manufacturing businesses, temporary labour is essential. But when your agency isn’t delivering the right people, responding quickly, or understanding your operation, the impact shows up fast: Production delays Overtime costs Management time spent firefighting Pressure on your permanent team Temporary staffing should reduce operational stress — not add to it. The Real Challenge Employers Face Many businesses tell us the same thing when they come to Barker Ross: “We’ve tried multiple agencies.” “The people turn up, but the quality is inconsistent.” “When there’s a problem, we struggle to get it resolved quickly.” “It feels transactional, not like a partnership.” In today’s labour market — with rising wage costs and tighter margins — reliability matters more than ever. Why One Client Chose Barker Ross Before working with us, this client met with several agencies to find the right fit. Their feedback: “From the moment I met with Ellie, it was clear we were only going to use Barker Ross.” The difference wasn’t just candidate supply. It was: Honest conversations about availability and expectations Fast, efficient delivery A genuine effort to understand their operation and culture A relationship-led approach from day one Because Things Don’t Always Go to Plan Even with the best screening processes, issues can occasionally arise in any temporary workforce. What matters is the response. The client shared: “We have had some minor issues with agency staff, but she has sought to resolve these as quickly as possible.” Our approach focuses on: Immediate action Clear communication Rapid replacement when needed Ongoing performance monitoring For operations teams, that means minimal disruption and maximum continuity. The Result Today, the client benefits from: Consistent temporary staffing A dedicated account manager who understands their business Faster problem resolution Confidence in daily workforce planning Their recommendation: “I would highly recommend any company needing assistance with their staffing to consider Barker Ross.” What Makes Barker Ross Different? We focus on what operational leaders actually need: Dedicated account management Sector expertise in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and food production Pre-screened, work-ready candidates Fast response and proactive communication Long-term partnerships, not short-term placements Because reliable staffing isn’t about filling shifts. It’s about protecting your operation. Is Your Current Agency Supporting Your Operation — or Adding Risk? If you’re experiencing: Frequent no-shows or performance issues Slow response times High management time spent resolving problems Multiple agencies but inconsistent results It may be time to review your staffing partner. "Working with Ellie has been an absolute pleasure. In the lead up to working with Barker Ross, we were looking to recruit temporary staff for our business and had met with a few different agencies to ascertain which would fit best with our ethos. From the moment I met with Ellie, it was clear we were only going to use Barker Ross. Ellie is honest, efficient and is able to deliver an excellent service. Above all, she is kind and is able to build a strong relationship with ease. We have had some minor issues with members of agency staff, but she has sought to resolve these as quickly as possible. I would highly recommend any company needing assistance with their staffing to consider Barker Ross". Let’s Talk If you’re planning ahead for 2026, managing rising labour costs, or simply want more reliable support, Barker Ross can help. Speak to us today or request a no-obligation workforce review to identify opportunities to improve reliability and reduce operational pressure.