Motor Vehicle Parts Person
Job Description:Motor vehicle parts persons supply individuals, dealerships and garages with spare parts.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- advise customers what parts they might need for their vehicle
- take orders in person, over the phone or by email
- check availability of parts on computerised stock records
- get parts from the storeroom or warehouse or order them from suppliers
- put orders together
- send orders by courier or make deliveries yourself
- deal with payments
- raise invoices and issue receipts
- maintain shop window and shelf displays
- order supplies, put stock away and update records
Skills:
You’ll need:
- customer service skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure (leadership skills)
- active listening skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Motor Vehicle Parts Person, you don’t typically need specific subjects, but having a good educational background and certain skills can be beneficial in this field. Motor Vehicle Parts Personnel are responsible for providing automotive parts and accessories to customers and mechanics, so strong customer service and organisational skills are essential. Here are some subjects and skills that can be helpful:
- Mathematics: A good understanding of mathematics is important for pricing parts, managing inventory, and handling financial transactions. Consider taking Mathematics.
- English: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are crucial for interacting with customers, suppliers, and colleagues.
- Business Studies: Taking Business Studies or a related subject can provide you with a foundational understanding of business operations, customer service, and inventory management.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer systems and software is important for managing inventory databases, processing orders, and assisting customers online or over the phone.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed for this job. In the UK, for example, courses include:
- Certificate in Vehicle Systems Maintenance
- Diploma in Vehicle Fitting Principles
- Extended Certificate in Vehicle Technology
Apprenticeship
You could get some of the skills and knowledge needed to do this job from an apprenticeship with a car spares supplier. You could follow apprenticeship routes like:
- customer service practitioner
- intermediate apprenticeship
- trade supplier intermediate apprenticeship
This typically takes 12 months to complete as a mix of learning in the workplace and off-the-job study.
Direct Application
You may be able to apply for jobs directly if you’ve got experience in vehicle servicing, retail or stock control. You’ll also need good technical knowledge of car parts, motoring accessories and how vehicles work.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 43-45 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends/bank holidays on a rota.
You could work in a warehouse, in a stock room or at a car manufacturing plant.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could progress to a supervisor or service adviser job, or move into the service and repair.
You may be able to move into self-employment as a parts supplier.