Motor Vehicle Parts Person
What is the work like?
A motor vehicle parts person uses specialist knowledge of vehicle components to sell motor parts and accessories to garages, car dealerships and the general public.
In this type of job, you could concentrate on spares and accessories for light vehicles – cars, small vans and motorcycles – or specialise in heavy vehicles, such as lorries, plant machinery, buses and coaches.
Your typical day-to-day tasks would include:
- dealing with customers taking orders in person, over the phone and via email
- checking availability of parts on computerised stock records
- getting parts from the storeroom or warehouse or, if out of stock, ordering them from suppliers
- putting orders together, booking couriers and sometimes making deliveries
- dealing with payments
- maintaining shop window and shelf displays.
You would also carry out stock control duties, reordering supplies, taking deliveries, shelving stock and updating records.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You do not need any formal qualifications to get into this job, although some employers may want to see relevant experience in vehicle parts, vehicle servicing or customer service. See the separate job profiles for Motor Vehicle Technician, Car Salesperson and Customer Service Assistant.
You may be able to start training as an apprentice in vehicle parts sales. To do this, you would need some GCSEs, including maths, English, science, engineering, IT, design and technology. For more details about this route, see www.apprenticeships.org.uk, parts suppliers' websites and the Institute of the Motor Industry.
You are likely to need a driving licence for this job.
See the Institute of the Motor Industry website for more details about careers in the motor industry.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working, you could take the NVQ in Vehicle Parts Operations at levels 2 and 3. This award contains several options, including:
- finding and ordering parts
- giving specialist advice
- stock control
- processing payments
- product sales.
You could also take the Institute of the Motor Industry's (IMI) Certificate in Customer Service for the Motor Industry at levels 2 and 3. See the IMI website for more details.
Your employer may also send you on short courses, run by main dealers or manufacturers, to update your product knowledge.
Where can I go for more information?
FanshawsBrickendon
Hertford
SG13 8PQ
Tel: 01992 511521
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Trainee motor vehicle parts people between 18 and 21 earn from £8,500 a year.
- An experienced parts person earns between £14,000 and £18,000 a year.
- Senior staff with managerial responsibilities can earn up to £25,000 a year.
Some companies offer bonus schemes linked to sales, which can increase salaries.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work between 37 and 45 hours a week. Many companies operate a rota system, which includes evenings and Saturdays.
As a parts person, you may work in various settings, ranging from retail outlets to warehouses attached to service centres and dealerships. Your job may involve some travel, for example when making deliveries.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- an excellent knowledge of vehicle parts and accessories
- excellent communication and customer care skills
- good administration and computer skills
- good numeracy skills
- the ability to work as part of a team
- the ability to explain technical details clearly to mechanics and to the public
- a willingness to work flexibly.
What opportunities are there?
You could work in a range of settings, from large service centres, where the main clients are car dealerships, to independent garages working directly with the public. You could also find jobs with smaller retail outlets, dealing specifically with car spares and accessories.
With experience, you can progress to supervisory jobs, service adviser roles or move into the service and repair side. If you develop the right contacts, you might be able to move into self-employment as a parts supplier.
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