Career Opportunities in Auto Parts Sales in New Jersey
If you love automobiles, motorcycles, and engines, you may have considered a career in auto parts sales. This role performs tasks in a variety of work environments and comes with many opportunities for advancement. A good basis for the skills required can be found in vocational school training programs. Pennco Tech offers several automotive programs at its campuses in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and Blackwood, New Jersey. Of special interest to those interested in auto parts sales jobs is our collision repair program.
Benefits of Learning About Auto Parts Sales
Auto parts sales is a role that combines customer service and retail sales skills with specialized knowledge of automobiles. Like auto body technicians, the auto parts salesperson understands how the non-motorized parts of automobiles are put together. They also recognize the various parts of engines and how they operate. In addition, multiple smaller electrical and motorized functions make the modern automobile.
Pennco Tech provides entry-level training that forms an excellent basis for understanding all these parts and how they fit together. In the collision repair program at Pennco Tech, students learn technical, manual, and manipulative skills that can be broadly applied to:
- auto body repair
- refinishing and painting
- welding principles
- metals and plastics used in automobiles
Classes cover both basic and major body repair. In this way, students can learn about different aspects and operations of the automobile, including:
- Suspension system
- Engine cooling and exhaust
- Air conditioning systems
- Brake systems
Students are also introduced to the wide variety of tools necessary to perform repairs on these automobile systems. Auto parts sales often include the sales of both parts and tools necessary to complete the job. Students also learn about the role that auto body technicians play in repairing and maintaining the automobile, so they can advise customers about the scope and practicality of certain repair projects.
What Tasks Are Performed in Auto Parts Sales?
The person standing behind the counter at a dealership or auto parts store plays an important role for customers. These customers want to know how much parts cost, receive initial guidance on their operation, and learn what options might be available.
The repair technicians and auto body technicians at dealerships and other repair facilities look to auto parts salespeople for information on the availability of after-market parts for automobiles. Expense parameters, quality considerations, and how fast the part can be obtained are all part of the equation. Everyone whose car is getting repaired wants to know when it might be finished, and how much it will cost, whether they are performing the work themselves or relying on automotive professionals.
Auto parts sales is a customer service role and requires a high degree of helpfulness and patience. It’s best that the salesperson possesses basic math skills and is detail-oriented. Here are some more tasks included in auto parts sales:
- Inventory and ordering of parts, stocking shelves
- Listening to customers’ questions and concerns
- Selling parts for automotive repair and enhancements
- Providing basic advice on which parts to order
- Accessing catalogs for parts ordering
- Checking on order status
- Providing price quotes
- Operating cash registers
However, not all auto parts sales jobs take place behind a counter. Salespersons may work in a warehouse environment, pulling stock for orders. They also deliver automotive parts, an arrangement that may require a commercial driving license.
Auto Parts Sales Job and Pay Prospects
With vocational training at Pennco Tech, graduates of our collision repair program can qualify for entry-level positions in auto parts sales. Further training may be required, depending on the type of job. In this way, advancement is also possible. Workers may specialize in certain makes and manufacturers, or they may focus on new technologies to advance their careers.
Learn Skills for Auto Parts Sales at Pennco Tech
We offer our collision repair program at our Blackwood, New Jersey campus. With our quality automotive repair and technology programs, Pennco Tech prepares students for trade professions and employment in their fields of interest. Auto parts sales may be either a first step or a life-long career choice that helps you benefit your family and community. Discover how our vocational school programs can help positively change your life and work prospects. Contact us today.