At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers, manage stock, and support vehicle service operations.
- Company: Join a prestigious automotive brand with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training costs covered, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in the automotive industry with hands-on training and mentorship.
- Qualifications: GCSEs or equivalent, strong communication skills, and a passion for cars.
- Other info: Travel to Berkshire for training, with all expenses paid.
North Oxford Garage is looking for an Aftersales Parts Advisor Apprentice.
Your role:
- We are currently recruiting for an Aftersales Customer Service (Parts Advisor) Trainee. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with one of the world's most prestigious and technologically advanced car manufacturers.
Role responsibilities:
- Interaction with both Trade and Retail customers β you will be working with customers on a daily basis both over the phone and face-to-face, to provide them with information and to sell them parts and accessories.
- Stock β this includes stock control and checks, as well as being responsible for ordering parts stock to be delivered at required times.
- Computer Systems β you will work on specialised computer systems, including computerised stock management systems and parts identification programmes.
- Vehicle Service / Sales support β you will support other Departments within the BMW Retailer, including workshop staff, to ensure they function effectively.
All Aftersales Customer Service (Parts Advisor) Trainees attend the BMW Group Academy UK in Berkshire for their off-the-job training. The apprenticeship will have a strong focus on the retail environment and the high customer service expectations of BMW & MINI customers, as well as Service Advisor specific training. The training takes place over a 12 month period at the BMW Group Academy and has been designed to suit both Parts and Service Advisor roles. During the time spent at your BMW Retailer, a mentor will be allocated to oversee the work-based learning programme. A BMW representative will also visit on a 12 weekly basis to set performance targets and ensure any development needs are being met.
Requirements and prospects:
- Successful applicants must demonstrate the following:
- An interest in the automotive industry.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Honesty and trustworthiness with a willingness to learn.
- A positive attitude and work ethic, with a high level of professionalism to represent the BMW/MINI brand.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team in a busy parts department, as well as having the capability to follow instructions and work individually.
Desired qualifications:
- Applicants are required to have, or predicted to obtain, GCSE Grade A*-C / 9 - 4 / or Functional Skills Level 2 (or equivalent) in the following subjects: One other subject.
On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be a qualified Parts Advisor. You will also gain a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner. Following this, there are various opportunities for progression within the Retailer.
Things to consider:
- Successful applicants must be prepared to travel to the BMW Group Academy in Berkshire to complete their apprenticeship training. Training is completed in one-week blocks approximately once every two months as well as virtual classroom training online. All training costs are covered by the BMW Retailer (travel, accommodation and food).
About the employer:
- All Light Vehicle Technician, Aftersales Customer Service (Parts & Service) and Motorcycle Technician Apprentices will be employed at their local BMW Retailer, and will attend the BMW Group Academy for their training. The BMW Group Academy is based at Wokefield Park near Reading in Berkshire.
- All Bodyshop Technician (Paint & Panel) Apprentices will be employed at their local BMW Retailer or Bodyshop, and will attend our body training facility for their training. The body training facility is located in Milton Keynes.
Training provider:
- While the programme will focus around customer service skills, also embedded within the seven weeks training will include the current certification training courses for the Parts Advisor role. Additional technical and product awareness training will also be included.
Qualifications to be achieved:
- Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner
Training provider: INSPIRO LEARNING LIMITED
Applications for this apprenticeship are being processed by BMW Group Academy.
Parts Advisor Apprentice employer: BMW Group Retail
Contact Detail:
BMW Group Retail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Parts Advisor Apprentice
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research North Oxford Garage and BMW's values. When you walk in for your interview, show us that you understand what they stand for and how you can contribute to their success.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your passion for the automotive industry.
β¨Tip Number 3
Dress to impress! Make sure you look professional and polished for your interview. First impressions matter, especially in a customer service role where professionalism is key.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you're serious about joining the team at North Oxford Garage.
We think you need these skills to ace Parts Advisor Apprentice
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Cars: Let us know why you're excited about the automotive industry! Share any experiences or interests you have that relate to cars, whether it's working on them, following the latest models, or just a general love for vehicles.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be interacting with customers daily, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Give examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles or situations, whether face-to-face or over the phone.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented: Mention any experiences where you've had to manage stock or keep things organised. We want to see that you can handle the responsibilities of stock control and ordering parts efficiently!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey with BMW.
How to prepare for a job interview at BMW Group Retail
β¨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the automotive industry, especially BMW and MINI. Familiarise yourself with their parts and accessories, as well as any recent developments in their technology. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
β¨Practice Your People Skills
Since you'll be interacting with customers daily, practice your communication skills. Role-play common customer scenarios with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident when discussing parts and providing information during the interview.
β¨Get Organised
Show that you can handle stock control and ordering by preparing examples of how you've managed tasks in the past. Bring along any relevant experiences where you demonstrated organisational skills, even if theyβre from school projects or part-time jobs.
β¨Dress to Impress
First impressions matter! Dress smartly for your interview to reflect the professionalism expected at BMW. A neat appearance shows that you take the opportunity seriously and are ready to represent the brand well.