How to become a storekeeper and partspersons
Official title: Storekeepers and partspersons
Also called: Partsperson, Storekeeper, Ship storekeeper, Aviation partsperson, Ammunition storekeeper, Drilling rig storekeeper, Motor vehicle partsperson, Automotive partsperson - retail, Automotive partsperson apprentice, Industrial engines and equipment partsperson - retail, Tool clerk, Linenkeeper
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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. Experience in a related clerical occupation, or as a warehouse worker, may be required for partspersons. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified partspersons upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. 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. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $50,700 a year The middle half earn $42,900 to $62,400.
- About 21,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 22,300 are projected by 2033. (+3.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Shippers and receivers
- Production logistics workers
- Purchasing and inventory control workers
- Dispatchers
- Transportation route and crew schedulers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a storekeeper and partspersons?
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. Experience in a related clerical occupation, or as a warehouse worker, may be required for partspersons. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified partspersons upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does a storekeeper and partspersons earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $50,700 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $42,900 to $62,400.
Is a storekeeper and partspersons a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2033, from about 21,600 to about 22,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a storekeeper and partspersons?
Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03