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Motor vehicle parts person

Alternative titles for this job include Service adviser

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

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

43 to 45 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Motor vehicle parts person

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. 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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

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.

More Information

Further information

You can get more advice about working in the motor industry from Autocity.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need a full UK driving licence if you have to make deliveries to customers.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Customer Service Advisor

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: Ongar Road, Ongar, Essex

Workshop Receptionist and Customer Service Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,979.20 a year Annually
  • Location: Tushingham, Whitchurch
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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