The Job and What's Involved

The parts sales person is involved in the selling of motor vehicle parts, accessories and equipment to both the general public and motor trades.

The average car is made up of around 15,000 different parts; therefore identifying the item that a customer requires demands a high level of motor vehicle knowledge.

The wide variety of work involves:

• ordering stock from suppliers.
• unloading, checking and putting new stock away correctly.
• dealing with customers in person and by telephone.
• identifying a customer's requirements using a microfiche viewer.
• offering advice to help the customer choose the right part.
• using a computer to record sales and produce sales documents.

Education and Training

Educational qualifications are not required. Employers look for a good basic level of education.

Training

Opportunities exist for training as a parts sales person through the Jobskills programme. During training the opportunity exists for the trainee to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). Contact your local Training and Employment Agency office for further information.

Adult Entry

Employers look for the same qualities and adults are not treated any differently to school leavers.

Personal Qualities

The parts sales person must be:

• neat, tidy and presentable in appearance.
• interested in motor vehicles and able to give advice on parts.
• interested in meeting and dealing with the public.
• accurate with calculations.
• able to understand workshop manuals, drawings, etc.
• physically fit.

Prospects

The number of people employed in this area remains fairly stable but vacancies do exist.

Motor vehicle parts sales persons who have gained experience could progress to supervisors and eventually parts managers.

Career prospects may also be enhanced through NVQs. These qualifications are available at supervisory and management levels.

Get Further Information

Transport Training Services Ltd., 15 Dundrod Road, Nutts Corner, Crumlin BT29 4SS
Tel: (028) 9082 5653  Website: www.transport-training.co.uk

 

Careers information and vocational qualifications change rapidly. The information in this career note was accurate at the time of going to print, but readers should check it with professional bodies or careers advisers before making decisions.