A motor vehicle parts person uses their specialist knowledge of vehicle components to sell motor parts and accessories to garages, car dealerships and the general public.

A parts person may 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.

Typical day-to-day tasks include:

• dealing with customers or mechanics, 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 parts from suppliers
• putting orders together, booking couriers and sometimes making deliveries
• dealing with payments 
• maintaining shop window and shelf displays.

A motor vehicle parts person also carries out stock control duties, reordering supplies, taking deliveries, shelving stock and updating records.

Hours and Environment

A motor vehicle parts person works 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.

Skills and Interests

To be a motor vehicle parts person you 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.

Entry

You do not need any set qualifications to get into this role, 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. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s.

You may need some GCSEs/S grades for apprenticeship schemes, including maths, English, science, engineering, IT, design and technology. For more details about apprenticeships, see Carter and Carter, parts retailers' websites and Automotive Skills in Further Information.

A driving licence is often required for this job.

See the Automotive Skills website for more details about careers in the motor industry.

Training

Once you are working, you can take the NVQ/SVQ in Vehicle Parts Operations at levels 2 and 3. The award contains several options, including:

• sourcing parts
• specialist advice
• stock control
• processing payments
• product sales.

You can 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.

Opportunities

Motor vehicle parts people 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. There are also a lot of small retail outlets, dealing specifically with car spares and accessories.

With experience, you can progress to supervisory jobs, service advisor roles or move into the service and repair side. If you develop the right contacts, you may be able to move into self-employment as a parts supplier.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

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 enhance salaries.

Further information

Tel: 0800 093 1777 Tel: 01992 511521