Necessary Skills and Training
As a result of new advances in automotive technology such as smaller, turbocharged engines and intelligent braking systems, auto parts specialists are becoming more in demand than ever before. These professionals have become an asset to automotive manufacturers because they have the necessary skills and training to explain the complexities of auto parts to customers and colleagues. If you’re inspired to pursue a career in auto parts it’s important to seek out a comprehensive training program designed to provide students with the specific skill set they need to succeed after graduation. Some of the topics and concepts you will learn include:
- Automotive industry and employment skills
- Automotive parts management
- Product knowledge
- Communicating with customers
- Parts sales and marketing
- Computerized management software
After you’ve been thoroughly trained and have acquired the fundamental skills needed to secure your first professional position, you’ll be ready to take on the daily duties and responsibilities of an auto parts specialist.
General Duties and Responsibilities
Students pursuing auto careers as parts specialists should understand that their responsibilities go further than maintaining and controlling warehouse inventory. Automotive service technicians rely on parts specialists to provide them with the pieces they need to modify and repair vehicles. As a retail auto parts specialist, you are responsible for a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities, some of which include:
- Ordering parts
- Issuing parts to the service department
- Performing over the counter sales transactions
- Receiving and shipping parts
- Maintaining inventory and the area in which parts are kept
- Storing and organizing parts
- Processing requests and distribution
- Maintaining order records
- Preparing order requests
- Providing customers with information about parts, supplies or materials
A trained auto parts specialist with an expert understanding of distinct automotive brands, makes, models and years – as well as computer software and inventory management programs – is a valued employee of any automotive company.
