Ask Jon – Parts Technician
If you are considering a career as a parts technician, here’s your chance to ask some important questions. Scroll through the frequently asked questions and click on the ones you are curious about.
Don’t see what you’re wondering about? Send us a question using the form below and we’ll get back to you shortly with an answer.
What are your responsibilities?
I am responsible for ordering, storing and tracking all kinds of parts related to trucks and trailers. I have gained a considerable on the job training about the company trucks and trailers in order to do a better job planning, ordering and maintaining inventory records. I personally enjoy tinkering on all types of mechanical projects so, the extra energy I spend learning about truck parts comes naturally to me.
I also like working with people. This job gives me an opportunity to work with a team and we all seem to get a lot of job satisfaction from being well organized and helping our customers.
What kind of education and skills do I need?
To succeed as a parts technician you must be organized, service oriented and have exceptional customer service skills.
To become a Parts Technician, most of your learning will take place on the job and be provided by your employer. Computer skills, problem-solving skills, mathematical skills, working well with your hands and understanding mechanics are also helpful.
It is also possible to become a Parts Technician apprentice. If you are interested in receiving your trade ticket to be a Parts Technician, your best bet is to contact your provincial apprenticeship office to learn more.
How much do you make an hour?
Currently I make $16 per hour. I started at $13.50 and worked my way up, through on the job training and my commitment to my apprenticeship. The national average is $19.
Do parts ever get lost?
Yes, of course they do.
We have thousands of parts to track and we store them based on part numbers and their use. Despite our highly organized system sometimes a part gets misplaced. Often we are able to find the part in the bin beside where it is supposed to be.
What types of computer programs do you use?
Well, we use Microsoft office for a lot of things. We also have specialized inventory software we use to track parts, record information like parts available, parts on order, those being used and those already used. Our systems are all integrated and accounting details are updated as soon as we make changes in the parts department system.
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