Parts Advisor Apprentice

BMW Group; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious automotive manufacturer in Farnborough is seeking an Aftersales Parts Advisor Apprentice to interact with customers and manage stock in a busy parts department. The role includes extensive training at the BMW Group Academy, focusing on high customer service standards. Ideal candidates should have GCSEs in English and Maths, alongside a strong enthusiasm for the automotive sector.

Benefits

Training costs covered

Mentorship supervision

Progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Good communication and organisational skills are essential.
• Interest in the automotive industry is required.
• A willingness to learn and a positive attitude are vital.

Responsibilities

• Interact with Trade and Retail customers to provide information and sell parts.
• Manage stock, including control, checks, and ordering parts.
• Support other Departments, including workshop staff.

Skills

Enthusiasm for excellent customer service

Good communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

GCSE Grade A*-C / 9-4 in English

GCSE Grade A*-C / 9-4 in Maths

One other subject

Job description

Group1 Farnborough 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.

You will be working in a busy BMW/MINI Parts Department. Parts Advisor specific duties include:

1. Interaction with both Trade and Retail customers - working with customers daily both over the phone and face-to-face to provide information and sell parts and accessories.
2. Stock management - including stock control, checks, and ordering parts to be delivered at required times.
3. Computer systems - working on specialised computer systems, including stock management and parts identification programs.
4. Vehicle Service / Sales support - supporting other Departments within the BMW Retailer, including workshop staff, to ensure effective functioning.

All Aftersales Customer Service (Parts Advisor) Trainees attend the BMW Group Academy UK in Berkshire for off-the-job training. The apprenticeship emphasizes the retail environment and high customer service standards of BMW & MINI, along with Service Advisor training. The 12-month program at the BMW Group Academy is designed for both Parts and Service Advisor roles.

During your time at the BMW Retailer, a mentor will oversee your work-based learning, and a BMW representative will visit every 12 weeks to set performance targets and monitor development needs.

Requirements and prospects

Personal qualities

• Enthusiasm for excellent customer service
• Interest in the automotive industry
• Good communication and organisational skills
• Honesty, trustworthiness, and willingness to learn
• Positive attitude, work ethic, and professionalism to represent the BMW/MINI brand
• Ability to work effectively in a team and follow instructions, as well as work independently

Desired qualifications

Applicants should have, or be predicted to obtain, GCSE Grade A*-C / 9-4 / or Functional Skills Level 2 (or equivalent) in:

• English
• Maths
• One other subject

Future prospects

Upon successful completion, you will be a qualified Parts Advisor with a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification. Opportunities for progression within the Retailer are available.

Things to consider

Applicants must be prepared to travel to the BMW Group Academy in Berkshire for training, which is conducted in one-week blocks approximately every two months, along with 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 attend the BMW Group Academy. The Academy is based at Wokefield Park near Reading, Berkshire. Bodyshop Technician Apprentices will be employed at their local BMW Retailer or Bodyshop, with training at a dedicated facility in Milton Keynes.

Training provider

The program focuses on customer service skills, including certification courses for the Parts Advisor role, along with technical and product awareness training. Qualifications to be achieved include:

• Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner
• Parts Advisor Certification