Parts Clerk

Are you interested in Parts Clerk jobs in Canada? Training, salaries, hours, responsibilities, prospects, and professional advancement. Discover what this profession has in store for you!

What is the definition of a Parts Clerk?

A Parts Clerk is a professional responsible for the managing of inventory, ordering, receiving, and supplies of automotive parts within an auto dealer or automotive repair shop. Their purpose is to guarantee that the essential components are accessible for car repairs and maintenance, assisting mechanics and service advisers to provide efficient service to customers.

Parts clerks usually work at car dealer shops, repair shops, and parts distribution facilities, where they are responsible for inventory management, customer service, and logistical assistance.

What does a Parts Clerk's job involve?

The parts Clerk job description involves various tasks which could include:

Receiving and storing automotive components and supplies.
Maintaining an orderly inventory system for easy and fast retrieval of parts.
Assisting mechanics and service advisors by identifying and giving necessary parts.
Managing supplier orders and ensuring timely delivery.
Processing customer orders and responding to queries about auto components.
Using inventory management software to track stock levels and restock parts as required.
Ensure compliance with safety and quality requirements when storing and handling components.

What is the salary of a Parts Clerk?

The average salary of a Parts Clerk professional in Canada is $36,464 per year. Entry-level positions may start at $31,200 while people with experience and qualifications can earn up to $46,800, annually. However, keep in mind that these figures can vary from province to province in Canada.

That said, here are the average annual salaries of entry-level Parts Clerks in Canada, based on different provinces:

Alberta: $42,900, per year
British Columbia: $40,950 per year
Manitoba: $35,100 per year
New Brunswick: $34,375 per year
Newfoundland and Labrador: $31,119 per year
Nova Scotia: $31,688 per year
Ontario: $39,000 per year
Prince Edward Island: $30,956 per year
Quebec: $42,900 per year
Saskatchewan: $38,025 per year

What are the social benefits of a Parts Clerk?

Depending on the employer and sector, Parts Clerks may enjoy social benefits such as:

Group insurance coverage (health, dental, life, disability, etc.)
Paid leave (vacation, sick time, holidays, etc.)
Opportunities for career progression.
Discounts on car parts purchased.
Uniforms and required workplace equipment allowances
Opportunity for hybrid work arrangements due to flexible schedule

What training is required and what diploma is needed to become a Parts Clerk?

There are no formal educational requirements to work as an automobile parts clerk, although most companies prefer individuals with at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

Training is provided on-the-job and you will learn about store policies and procedures, computer systems, how to use the cash register, a list of parts transported, and adequate component security.

It's worth knowing that training and educational requirements may vary from province to province. Here are some crucial training requirements for becoming a Parts Clerk in different provinces:

Quebec—A high school diploma or equivalent is crucial. On-the-job training will be offered by the employer. Certification in inventory management, customer service, or logistics can also be beneficial.
Ontario—A high school diploma is required to become a Parts Clerk. Having necessary certifications, such as inventory control and supply chain management may also be beneficial. A valid driver's licence and basic knowledge of safety procedures and regulations are also crucial.
British Columbia—A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Candidates don't necessarily need to have any special training. That's so because the employer will provide on-the-job training. However, enrolling in courses, such as parts and warehousing may be beneficial.
Alberta—a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is crucial for a Parts Clerk job. Most employers offer on-the-job training to employees. Having prior experience or courses in customer service and auto parts management will give candidates an edge.
Atlantic Provinces—Having a high school diploma or equivalent is crucial to becoming a Parts Clerk in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador. Having prior experience in a similar role may be beneficial. Employees can expect on-the-job training from employers to better understand how to handle their tasks.
Manitoba—a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is crucial. Having parts and inventory management certifications may also give candidates an edge. Employees should expect employers to provide them with on-the-job training to enhance their practical experience.
Saskatchewan—a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is crucial for a Parts Clerk job. On-the-job training will be provided by employers. Having a certificate or diploma in parts management or logistics is optional but can be very beneficial.

What are the tasks and objectives of a Parts Clerk?

The primary tasks and objectives of a parts clerk include:

Managing inventory levels to ensure the availability of important vehicle components.
Providing required parts to help repair and maintenance services run more efficiently.
Keeping accurate records of part sales and inventory changes.
Improving customer satisfaction by rapidly completing parts orders and questions.
Collaborating with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of essential parts.
Ensuring compliance with safety measures when storing and handling components.

What are the working hours of a Parts Clerk?

A parts clerk's working hours might vary based on their company and business demands. Parts clerks often work between 35 to 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Some dealers and repair firms may require late or weekend hours to meet client demand. This means Parts Clerks may work in shifts or rotations to maintain continuous service.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a Parts Clerk?

Advantages:

Organizational Skill—Parts Clerk provides the opportunity for you to develop certain organizational skills such as inventory management and logistical skills.
Customer interaction—It can help you develop good customer relationships and engagement.
Career Stability—Parts Clerk job provides consistent job possibilities in dealer shops and repair stores.

Disadvantages:

Physical Demand—The Parts Clerk job demands frequent lifting and movement of heavy automobile parts.
Repetitive task—Inventory management duties are repetitive.
Pressure—Parts Clerk job may come with pressure to ensure timely availability of components to avoid service interruptions.
Evolving industry—Need to stay updated with new vehicle models and parts.

What are the qualities of a Parts Clerk?

To succeed as a parts clerk, you must have the following qualities such as:

Organizational skills—Effective management of inventory and record-keeping
Attention to detail—This skill is necessary to ensure different vehicle parts are properly ordered, stored, and distributed.
Communication skills—Good communication skills for effective interaction with customers, suppliers, and colleagues.
Technical Knowledge—Understanding all vehicle parts and their applications.
Problem-solving skills—Addressing problems related to the availability of vehicle parts and logistics.
Team spirit: Effective collaboration with mechanics and other personnel to support service operations.

What professional skills can a Parts Clerk acquire?

A part clerk can acquire many professional skills to enhance their career.

Inventory management skill—Stock control and logical procedures.
Technical skills—Technical skills like in-depth knowledge about auto parts and applications
Customer service—Enhancing customer and supplier relationships and inquiries.
Software proficiency—Using inventory management software and point-of-sale systems effectively.

What are the job prospects for a Parts Clerk?

Job prospects for parts clerks in Canada's automotive sector are typically favourable due to the continued need for vehicle repair and maintenance services. There are numerous job prospects for parts clerks in auto dealer shops, service shops, and parts delivery centers especially with the expansion of the car industry and the rising complexity of vehicle systems.

Experienced parts clerks with particular expertise or qualifications may have better work prospects and opportunities for promotion to supervisory or management positions.

What additional training can a Parts Clerk pursue?

A parts clerk can improve their abilities and employment prospects by seeking additional training, which includes:

Taking courses in inventory management, logistics, or automobile technology.
Specializing in areas such as high-performance vehicle parts, vintage car restoration, or electronic components.
Advanced software training in advanced inventory management.

What careers can a Parts Clerk pursue?

Parts clerks can advance into different kinds of careers or roles depending on their talents, experience, and passions, including:

Parts Manager—Managing the whole parts department in a car dealer or repair shop.
Inventory Control Specialist—Managing inventory systems and operations in larger organizations.
Procurement Specialist—Managing the purchase and supply chain of automotive parts.
Automotive Parts Trainer—Educating new parts clerks or salespeople on inventory systems and automobile parts.
Entrepreneur—Establishing an independent parts distribution business or an internet parts store.

Auto-jobs.ca is the reference job board for parts clerks in Canada. So, whether you are looking for your first job or a new opportunity in this field, you will find ads that match your expectations. Take the opportunity to get an idea of the prospects in this branch and start searching for your future job!

Visit Auto-jobs.ca now.