Vehicle Parts Advisor Apprenticeship Group 1

Ford Motor Company Limited; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Group 1 Ford Wokingham is offering an IMI-Approved Apprenticeship for a Vehicle Parts Advisor. The role combines paid employment with Level 2 training, delivering hands-on experience in parts identification, stock control, and customer service.

You will work 40 hours a week (Mon–Fri) with some blocks of off‑the‑job learning and travel for training. Training aligns with IMI standards, supervised by Calex UK.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English (A-C / 9-4).
• Interest in vehicle parts, stock management and supply chain operations.
• Willingness to follow instructions and learn from colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Identify and locate automotive parts using catalogs, manuals and computer systems.
• Assist customers in-person, by phone, and via email to fulfil parts enquiries and orders.
• Collaborate with service technicians to ensure accurate parts ordering and timely delivery.
• Receive, inspect and organise incoming parts shipments, maintaining accuracy.
• Monitor inventory levels and place replenishment orders as required.
• Use point-of-sale systems to process transactions and manage customer accounts.
• Provide product recommendations and pricing information to customers.
• Handle enquiries and complaints professionally.
• Follow procedures for parts sales, returns and exchanges.
• Attend training and workshops to improve product knowledge and service skills.

Skills

Aged 16+

Good problem solving

Strong communication

Teamwork

Driving licence

Education

GCSEs in Maths & English (A-C / 9-4)

Tools

Basic IT skills

Job description

IMI-Approved Apprenticeship – Level 2Employer:Group 1Location: Wokingham

Group 1 Ford Wokingham is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join as a Vehicle Parts Advisor Apprentice. This apprenticeship provides a structured route into the automotive industry, combining paid employment with nationally recognised Level 2 training, giving you the skills and knowledge to excel as a vehicle parts advisor.

Working alongside experienced professionals, you will develop expertise in parts identification, stock management, and customer service, providing an excellent foundation for a long-term career in automotive supply chain and parts management.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and locate automotive parts using electronic catalogs, manuals, and computer systems
• Assist customers in-person, by phone, and via email to fulfil parts enquiries and orders
• Collaborate with service technicians and mechanics to ensure accurate parts ordering and timely delivery
• Receive, inspect, and organise incoming parts shipments, maintaining accuracy and quality
• Monitor inventory levels, conduct audits, and place replenishment orders as required
• Use point-of-sale systems to process transactions, generate invoices, and manage customer accounts
• Provide product recommendations, technical advice, and pricing information to customers
• Handle customer enquiries and complaints professionally
• Follow company procedures for parts sales, returns, and exchanges
• Attend all required training and workshops to improve product knowledge, customer service skills, and industry awareness

Working Week

• 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday
• Normal working hours are usually 8:30am – 5:30pm, although this may vary depending on the dealership

Approximately 20% of your working week will be dedicated to Off‑the‑Job (OTJ) learning, delivered through online classrooms, face‑to‑face sessions, and block release training at a training centre in Daventry.

Training & Time Away From Home

• Apprentices are employed directly by Group 1
• Training includes week-long block release, which requires travel and overnight stays away from home.

Supported through:

• Face‑to‑face technical sessions
• Virtual classroom sessions and e‑learning
• Workplace coaching and mentoring

All training aligns with IMI / ESFA standards, providing nationally recognised qualifications and the practical skills to succeed.

Qualification

• Level 2 Supply Chain / Warehouse Apprenticeship (IMI)
• Duration: 12 months + 12 weeks for End Point Assessment (EPA)
• Covers workplace competence, technical knowledge, and OTJ learning
• Completion provides a nationally recognised qualification and opens pathways to further roles within the automotive sector

Salary

All apprentices are paid at least the Apprenticeship Minimum Wage, with opportunities for progression as skills and experience develop. https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Entry Requirements

• Aged 16+
• GCSE (or equivalent) grade A–C / 9–4 in Maths and English ( Predicted grades are accepted, provided the final results meet the required standards)
• Strong interest in vehicle parts, stock management, and supply chain operations
• Good problem‑solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to follow instructions and learn from experienced colleagues
• Basic IT skills for documentation and communication purposes
• Hold a valid driving licence

About Calex UK

Calex UK is the official apprenticeship recruitment and training partner to Ford in the UK. They deliver high‑quality, employer‑led apprenticeship programmes aligned to IMI standards.

Barriers to learning can be caused by many different difficulties including learning, physical, social, emotional, and mental health, as well as language and communication difficulties. Calex UK is an inclusive and supportive provider, with a dedicated team that will provide advice and guidance to all learners and to assess any reasonable adjustments required. Calex UK is committed to actively promoting equality of opportunity to ensure that all learners reach their full learning potential and achieve success during their learning journey. If you require any adjustments to access the application process or to discuss this in more detail, please contact us.

Recruitment Process

• Applications are assessed against entry and qualification requirements
• Suitable applicants will receive further information by email
• If you do not hear back within 5 working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful

Applicants will be required to provide evidence of qualifications (GCSEs / Functional Skills). Please note that we are unable to accept any documents other than official certificates.

For support, adjustments, or application queries, please contact: [e-mail]