Parts Interpreter Profile
I made the decision to leave school at the end of year 11. Back then trade school was the go, with a lot of guys around my age enrolling into a Technical College to complete a training certificate. After 6 months or so working on my electrician traineeship I began to lose a bit of interest. I was a very active kid when I was younger, never a good listener and I was always eager to get up and try things for myself.
I decided to leave technical school and head into the automotive industry. This was a strange move for me, as I had no real prior interest in the industry – in fact I didn’t really know what I was interested in.
I was given a fairly lucky break when I was able to land a job at a local dealership as a storeman within the showroom and workshop. Since then I have managed to work my way up, and after nearly 20 years in the business I hold the position of Spare Parts Manager, which involves the role of Parts Interpreter. In all honesty things cannot be better; I really love where I am at the moment.
The work I do
As a Parts Interpreter, I basically look after the sales, stock control and administration in relation to automotive replacement parts such as engine, brake and transmission components, batteries, headlights, tyres and accessories such as seat covers, tow bars and car cleaning equipment.
Specifically, duties include identifying automotive parts and components using consulting catalogues, microfiche or computer databases, storage and stock control procedures, materials handling, customer advice and sales activities, receiving and filling orders and organising dispatch. Computers are beginning to play a major role in the sourcing and allocation of parts, so my position has been made a lot simpler.
One of the best aspects of my position allows me to work on a wide variety of parts for all aspects of the automotive industry including cars, trucks, vans, trailers and agricultural, industrial and marine equipment.
The workplace
The workplace is pretty good in terms of set-up, with our own aftermarket section area within the showroom. There is excellent signage, which encourages a bit of interest from our customers who are able to come in and look around. It is also handy being situated beside the workshop. There is still plenty of room to expand or increase stock.
One of the real bonuses are the friendships I’ve made since being here. The staff here aren’t just work colleagues, but close mates. I guess working together for a number of years you tend to develop these kinds of friendships.
Education and training
Recently I was lucky enough to complete my Certificate III in Automotive (Sales – Parts Interpreting). But up until then, in terms of training, all I had learnt had basically developed from hands-on experience.
I haven’t really considered any further education in the short
term, but it is always important to remain up-to-date in this industry.
I guess I will always look at furthering my knowledge somewhere in the
future through training.
>> course/qualification
Why I love this industry…
I really enjoy helping people and satisfying their expectations. My job really serves a purpose; I get the parts to the customer to help get their vehicle going. It cannot be simpler, yet it cannot be more rewarding. I love helping them out, and that’s what I love doing.
When I initially began, I didn’t have a great knowledge of the automotive industry. But I’ve been here for nearly 20 years and my insight into the industry has grown enormously simply because of my experience.