From Trainee to Parts Sales Advisor: Kieran’s Journey at Scot JCB

Kieran MacKinnon has been part of the team at Scot JCB Glasgow for two years. His journey into the role of Parts Sales Advisor is a great example of how the right opportunity, combined with the right attitude, can lead to a rewarding career in the construction industry.

Starting As a Trainee

I started working in October 2023 as a Trainee Parts Sales Advisor," Kieran explains. "My initial attraction to the job was that it felt like a role more suited for myself in an industry that always interested me but was unsure of my place in." Coming from a family with strong ties to construction, Kieran had always been around the industry but knew early on that engineering wasn't the right fit for him. He said, "A Parts Advisor felt like a role where my strengths would be best used."

From learning internal systems to understanding the machines themselves, every day brought something new. Kieran explained, "I began learning about the machines, the parts that make them up and the issues that can be faced both on a day-to-day basis and rare occasions."

Support and training played a key role in helping Kieran build confidence and knowledge. He highlights the variety of opportunities available: "Both Scot JCB and JCB have provided great training experiences such as a sales training course, a visit down to the JCB factory for a few days with other parts staff and engineers, as well as the training modules provided by JCB." However, one of the most valuable learning tools came from within the team itself. "The main support I feel has benefited me the most is picking the experience off my peers and senior staff who have been here for years." He says, "They have taught me how to deal with issues and how to be more efficient at my job.

Stepping Into the Role

After two years of development, Kieran progressed into his current position as Parts Sales Advisor. With that progression came greater responsibility and independence. "Every day can bring new challenges... the responsibility to be able to tackle these challenges is something that's more prominent as I have gained more experience."

No two days in the parts department are the same, but there is a steady rhythm to the role. " A typical day starts with unloading the main delivery, putting away any stock and allocating parts for customer orders and workshops jobs," Kieran says. From there, his day can vary, including serving customers at the counter, assisting engineers, and handling orders via phone and email. Kieran adds that the team dynamic also plays a big part in making the job enjoyable, explaining "Between both the parts and service department we all have a great laugh in the office. We all have varied strengths and knowledge which works well for brainstorming ideas."

Advice for Future Trainees

For anyone considering a similar path, Kieran emphasises the importance of attitude over experience. "The advice I'd give to someone considering this role is always to be confident and keen," he says. "The best way I picked up new things and got better was by being keen to get involved wherever possible."

Kieran also believes that the trainee roles are a valuable gateway into the industry. "For me, I was virtually alien to the role and most of the industry - without this traineeship I wouldn't have been able to do a job like this." For those worried about a lack of experience, Kieran's message is clear: "As long as you're willing to learn and put yourself out there, you will be able to succeed in a traineeship position."

Start your career today! We are currently hiring for a Trainee Parts Sales Advisor at our Edinburgh depot - apply here.