A CAREER in the Transport Sector can be adventurous and exciting. The following are the sub sectors within the Transport Sector.

Aerospace

The aerospace subsector involves transportation of passengers or goods in the air; use of equipment such as aircraft, helicopters and space vehicles such rockets, space ships and drones; provision and management of airport, heliports and air space services; and other support services such as the manufacture, maintenance and repair of air transport related equipment. The biggest employer companies are state-owned enterprises such as South African Airways (SAA) with its subsidiaries (SAA Technical, SA Air link, Mango, SA Express), South African Air-force and Denel. Other government entities you can approach for opportunities are:

  • South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
  • Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS)
  • Airports Company of South Africa
  • South African Air Force (SAAF)
  • South African Police Air Wing

Forwarding & Clearing

The forwarding and clearing subsector encompasses two areas which are freight forwarding and clearing.

Freight forwarding involves:

  • Movement of goods on behalf of importers and exporters;
  • Other subsectors like maritime, aerospace, road and rail freight operators in moving and handling cargo internationally;
  • The use of supply chain management solutions which are cost effective to imports/exports and goods in transit;
  • Warehousing solutions, which involves storage of cargo and goods in transit.

Clearing involves:

  • Customs clearing for exports and imports;
  • Implementation and adhering to import/exports regulations.

Employers within the freight forwarding industry are represented by the following Employer Associations:

  • South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF)
  • South African Association of Ships’ Operators and Agents (SAASOA)
  • South African Express Parcels’ Association (SAEPA) Areas you can specialise in include:
  • Freight Forwarding Customs Clearing Manager
  • Storage and Distribution Manager
  • Acquisitions Manager
  • Supply Lead Manager
  • Depot Manager
  • Parts Manager
  • Supply Chain Executive
  • Procurement Manager
  • Purchase Manager
  • Freight Manager

Freight Handling

  • Is a key function of the supply chain management system;
  • It provides a vital link service to industries which cover all modes of transport;
  • It handles cargo through ports, airports, and storage warehouses. Scarce skills in this subsector include:
  • Crane or Hoist Operator
  • Forklift Driver
  • Freight Handler (Rail or Road)
  • Store Person
  • Supply and Distribution Manager
  • Warehouse Manager

Maritime Sector

The maritime industry involves the transportation of people and freight by water. This includes:

Freight transport over the oceans/seas (merchant shipping)
Boating and cruising
Fishing
Port activities and authorities and associated land-based activities

Scarce Skills

Marine Safety Officer
Fishing Hand
Deck Hand
Skipper (Fishing Boat)
Ship`s Officer
Education or Training Advisor
Clearing and Forwarding Agent
Ship`s Master
Ship`s Engineer
Diver

Road Freight

The road freight industry involves the movement of freight:
Into and out of airports;
Into and out of rail yards;
Into and out of ports;
Into and out of warehouses and distribution centres; and
From pipeline depots to petrol stations. Road freight links all modes of transport and completes the integration of the freight logistics supply chain. Road freight subsector handles on average 80% of the total freight moved around South Africa each year.

Scarce Skills

Truck Driver (General)
Delivery Driver
Diesel Mechanic
Dispatching and Receiving Clerk/Officer
Logistics Manager
Mechanical Engineering Technician
Supply and Distribution Manager
Sales Representative (Business Services)

Road Passenger Subsector is associated with:

The conveying of passengers by buses and mini-buses for a fee
The management and maintenance of these vehicles
Long distance bus services
Tour and charter bus services
Cross border bus services
Intercity bus services
School/learner bus services
Commercial contract bus services
Special hire or private hire bus services
Subsidised and non-subsidised bus services

Scarce Skills

Bus Driver
Bus Inspectors
Diesel Mechanic
Mechanic`s Assistant
Transportation Electrician

Rail Subsector

The rail subsector is associated with:
The transportation of commuters;
The provision of freight logistic solutions designed for organisations in industry-based business segments such as mining and manufacturing;
The control, management of railways and rail operations;
The maintenance, servicing, repair and testing of locomotives and rolling stock.Technical occupations in this field include:
Armature Winder
Blacksmith
Civil Engineering
Electromechanician
Mechanical Engineering
Sheet metal worker/Plater
Turner and Machinist
Vehicle Builder
Wagon Fitter
Welder

Scarce Skills

Diesel Fitter
Electrician
Electrical Engineering Technician
Programme or Project Manager
Railways Assistant
Railway Signal Operator
Sheet Metal Worker
Train Driver
Train Controller
Welder

Taxi Subsector

Taxi subsector is involved in transporting passengers by road for a stipulated fare in vehicles other than buses. This includes:
Minibus taxis
Metered taxis
Scholar transport
Shuttle services
Chauffeur drivers

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