Trade Programs:
Partsperson
For more information about this trade, contact the training
co-ordinator.
What does a Partsperson do?
A Partsperson manages and sells an inventory of parts for vehicles,
appliances, machinery and equipment. In today's mechanized world,
equipment often wears out, breaks down or becomes damaged. Making
available the parts needed to repair or replace these items is an
important aspect of the service provided by retail stores, agencies
and to-the-trade outlets such as repair shops and parts stores.
Depending on the type and size of outlet you work in as a Partsperson,
you can expect to do some or most of the following jobs:
- order parts for sale and keep track of inventory
- receive orders of parts and ensure orders are accurately filled
- set up and use a parts storage system to receive ordered parts
- price parts according to a price catalogue
- provide assistance to those looking for parts
- sell parts over the counter to trades people or the general
public
What skills/abilities are required?
If you enjoy working with people, have an interest in fixing things
and enjoy helping others solve practical problems related to repairs,
you may want to consider becoming an apprentice Partsperson. A Partsperson
is often called upon to handle small objects, so good manual dexterity
is a factor. The ability to think visually and to see how various
parts might work together is also an asset. Since there are many
types of equipment that need parts, you may be able to work in an
area of special interest, such as motor vehicles or household appliances.
Although you can expect to do similar tasks in any parts department,
you have the option of working with the public in a retail store
or with other trades people in a for-trades outlet, depending on
your preference and job availability.
How long is the
apprenticeship program?
The apprenticeship is three years consisting of three levels. Practical
and technical training is a minimum of 1800 hours per level. About
80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills
under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent
consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the
trade through a combination of on-line learning and in-school training.
The in-school training for Level 3 is delivered by the Saskatchewan
Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) in Saskatoon.
To cover costs of attending technical training out-of-province,
funding benefits such as employment insurance, mileage, expenses
and living allowances are available.
What is taught during in-school/technical
training?
During apprenticeship, you will be required to attend periods of
in-school training. Subject areas of instruction include:
- Trade-related Mathematics, Science and Communications related
to the trade
- Safety and Warehousing
- Stock Handling Procedures
- Catalogues and Pricing
- Part Identification
- Standard and Stock Materials
- Inventory Control
- Sales and Merchandising
What is the supervision ratio?
As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it
is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled
journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary
to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.
For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required
to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site
and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a
certified journeyperson in the trade.
What are the entrance requirements?
Senior Years Apprenticeship Option: Begin your
apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years
in required.
General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high
school academic standing is required, including recommended courses
in English, Math and Science. If you are 19 years or older and do
not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as a Mature
Student. Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.
Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in
the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may
become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry
experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination.
A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience
form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness
is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.
For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin
your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How
to Start".
Do I get a certificate?
When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical
experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial
examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify
for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate
confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.
Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification
as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.
What salary can I expect as an
apprentice?
Manitoba's Partsperson Trade Regulation states that when an apprentice
is not taking technical training, an employer must pay the apprentice
at least the provincial minimum wage plus:
- 10 per cent during level one
- 25 per cent during level two
- 50 per cent during level three
Current wage details are available by downloading the training
wage schedule
What are the career prospects?
Partspersons are employed in mechanical service work including
automotive, agriculture, heavy equipment, truck and parts distribution
industries. Employment in this field is growing as electronic inventory
systems are integrated into industry with a requirement for specialized
technicians.
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