Are you someone who excels in math, pays attention to the smallest of details, and has a knack for working with computers? Do you possess excellent interpersonal skills, even in challenging situations? If so, a career as a parts technician could be the perfect fit for you. In this article, we will explore the role of a parts technician, the skills required, and the growing demand for professionals in this field.
What Does a Parts Technician Do?
In Alberta, the parts technician trade offers two main branches: parts technician and materials technician. For the sake of simplicity, we will refer to them as parts technician in this profile.
Parts Technician Responsibilities:
Parts technicians are responsible for managing and distributing parts inventories. They handle tasks such as stock handling, cataloguing parts, ordering, receiving, inspecting, sorting, pricing, and selling parts. They may work with parts from various manufacturers, including automotive, heavy-duty machinery, farm implements, industrial equipment, recreational vehicles, plumbing supplies, electrical equipment, and more.
General Duties:
- Sell supplies and parts
- Order parts and maintain inventories
- Receive supplies and organize them using a systematic approach
- Handle and ship exchange parts and returns
- Keep price lists and catalogs updated
- Prepare statements, bills, and maintain records
- Process payments from customers
- Utilize equipment such as computers, calculators, and material handling tools
- Contribute to the efficient operation of their business
Materials technicians handle the movement of materials across different industries with specific responsibilities. They can find employment in sectors like agriculture, forestry, health, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, transportation, and retail.
Working Conditions and Skills Needed
Parts technicians and materials technicians work indoors or outdoors. To succeed, parts technicians need basic math skills, physical strength, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills. For materials technicians, physical strength, manual dexterity, communication, and computer skills are key.
Demand for Parts Technicians
The demand for parts technicians is rising, with approximately 18,200 positions available per province each year. Their expertise is sought after in industries such as automotive and manufacturing, offering promising career prospects.
