Motor vehicle parts person

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed for this job. Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate in Vehicle Systems Maintenance
• Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Fitting Principles
• Level 2 Extended Certificate in Vehicle Technology

Entry requirements:

• 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

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.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

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.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to read English
• sensitivity and understanding
• a desire to help people
• persuading skills
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• maths knowledge
• concentration skills
• business management skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Motor vehicle parts persons supply individuals, dealerships and garages with spare parts.

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

Location : You could work in a warehouse, in a stock room or at a car manufacturing plant.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £28,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

43 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

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.