What Does a Parts Technician or Partsperson Do?

A Parts Technician performs ordering, warehousing, inventory control and sales of parts. Their duties also include identifying parts and equipment, searching for parts, shipping and receiving parts, providing customer service and advice, and maintaining records.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

  • Providing customer service by discussing products and services required for repairs
  • Conducting a parts search to determine availability of parts
  • Obtaining parts by pulling them from stock or ordering them from suppliers
  • Performing shipping and receiving operations related to parts
  • Operating computers and electronic equipment
  • Invoicing and receiving payment for parts
  • Controlling inventory and maintaining stock
  • Functioning as a salesperson and information source for customers
  • Protecting self and others through basic safety precautions and procedures

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become a Parts Technician, you should complete Grade 12, including, if possible, an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program placement in this or a related trade. You would then find an employer and begin a three year apprenticeship in this trade, including on-the-job work and two levels of in-school theoretical training (each level consisting of 9 weeks full-time or part-time equivalent). Successful completion of an examination leads to your receiving a Certificate of Qualification in this trade. Successful completion of an additional interprovincial examination leads to a Red Seal designation, permitting you to work across Canada in this trade.

What's Your Future as a Parts Technician?

Most workers employed as Parts Technicians work full-time, usually in a warehouse or at a customer service counter. They generally work in teams that include service staff, sales staff, and service technicians.  Potential employers include:  

  • motor vehicle or truck and coach repair shops
  • motor vehicle dealerships
  • custom shops related to heavy duty equipment or small engine repair
  • small business-self employment

Wage Rate

  • you start at a wage rate that is less than that of a journeyperson 
  • this rate increases gradually as you acquire skills and gain competency
  • the journeyperson's wage rate varies in the range of $14.00 to $22.00 per hour, often with benefits and the opportunities for overtime

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as a Parts Technician For You?

Do you enjoy working with customers and providing customer service? Yes      No
Can you read and interpret written and electronic catalogues and databases? Yes      No
Are you willing to work on your feet, frequently lifting and moving objects? Yes      No
Can you lift, kneel, bend, stoop and stretch and work in confined spaces if required? Yes      No
Do you have strong problem-solving and mathematical skills? Yes      No
Do you enjoy keeping up with and learning about new technology? Yes      No
Do you have a mechanical aptitude? Yes      No

 

If you answered Yes to most of these questions, a career as a Parts Technician may be for you!

You may also want to explore other careers that require similar interests and skills, such as:

  • Sales representative
  • Purchasing representative
  • Customer service representative
  • Store manager