Overview
Storekeepers and partspersons sort, store and issue parts and supplies for use by the establishment in which they work and for sale to the public. They are employed by manufacturing companies, warehouses, retail and wholesale establishments, mining, forestry and construction companies, repair shops, hospitals and other establishments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Receive and sort incoming parts and supplies
Store items in an orderly and accessible manner in a warehouse, tool room, supply room or other area
Process incoming requisitions and issue or distribute parts and supplies for internal usage
Maintain records of orders and the amount, kind and location of parts and supplies on hand using manual or computerized inventory system
Prepare requisition orders to replenish parts and supplies
Sell spare and replacement parts for motor vehicles, machinery and equipment in a retail setting
Advise retail customers or internal users on appropriateness of parts, supplies or materials requested.
Partspersons may specialize in a particular line of parts such as automotive parts, recreational vehicle parts, marine parts, heavy equipment parts, agricultural machinery parts, heating, ventilating and air conditioning parts or refrigeration parts.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$55,289
$87,595
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
997expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program or completion of specialized training in high school and a one-year college program for partspersons may be required.
Trade certification for partspersons is available, but voluntary, in all provinces and territories.
Additional information
The Red Seal endorsement allows for interprovincial mobility.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with additional training or experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Storekeepers and partspersons in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Parts Technician 1
- Skilled Trades Certification - Parts Technician 2
- Skilled Trades Certification - Parts Technician (Red Seal)
- Parts Technician Red Seal Certification
Skilled Trades Certification - Parts Technician 1
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a parts technician in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Skilled Trades Certification - Parts Technician 2
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a parts technician in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Skilled Trades Certification - Parts Technician (Red Seal)
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a parts technician in B.C., you may need a SkilledTradesBC certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience part of your apprenticeship program.
Parts Technician Red Seal Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.