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Mechanic to Parts Salesman:

Alex taking the next step in his career

Alex never thought he’d end up working with truck parts—but now, he wouldn’t have it any other way! After five years as a mechanic, he swapped to a role in the same sector as a Parts Apprentice at CAL Isuzu, realising he wanted something different.

Now, he spends his days tracking down the perfect truck components, learning about the industry, sourcing and supplying parts for customers, and setting himself up for a career with endless opportunities.

Alex’s journey proves that there’s much more to the automotive industry than repairs—sometimes, the right fit is in the parts that keep everything moving.

Alex Tan

Parts Apprentice

Alex’s Career Advice

“Go out and have a look around! Take time to make your decision, you don’t need to rush into anything too early but definitely get out and explore your options and think about what you future could look like.”

A chat with Alex about his role

How did you get started on this career path?
After doing Gateway throughout high school, I went on to an mechanical apprenticeship with MITO (Motor Industry Training Organisation). I started as a mechanic but it took a toll on my body so I decided to change to a role that was off the tools but within the same industry.
What’s it like being in Parts at CAL Isuzu?
My role is about helping customers, so my day to day tasks are a lot of phone calls and assiting with client queries. It also involves working alongside the workshop team and providing parts for clients when they bring a truck in for servicing. Here, working in Parts can often lead to different roles within the business.
What are some of the highlights of your job?
I enjoy when I’m able to help a customer on my own and find it satisfying when I’m able to use my prior and new knowledge to assist them. CAL Isuzu is in the heavy truck and diesel industry so coming from a light mechanical background, I had to learn a lot about the different parts and build up that larger product knowledge.
What got you interested in a career in the automotive industry?
Fixing and repairing cars has always been a personal hobby of mine. I had done mechanical work for 5 years so after a while I decided it would be better for me to move into a different role.
What have you learnt on the job?
I’ve learnt how the computer system works (I’ve never been a computer guy so this took some time!). There are also various parts on a truck that aren’t on a car so I had to learn these new parts.

Communication skills are important side of what I have learnt too. We communicate through emails and phone calls with clients, and miscommunications can happen. It is our goal to avoid these errors where possible, ensuring we provide the right parts and services to our clients.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced coming into this role and how have you overcome them?
Finding suppliers to supply the parts we need for trucks. This is challenging when it involves odd parts that we don’t often deal with, such as parts for loaders and diggers.
What kind of person suits this role?
A key trait to be fit for this role is someone who is calm and collected. We are constantly dealing with a range of different people over the phone, which sometimes can be challenging. This is where it is improtant to handle a situation professionally.
Why is CAL Isuzu a great place to work?
Definitely the people you work with. Everyone here has been patient with teaching me things and are keen to help. We’re all really friendly, we have a good amount of banter and we’re not too serious.

Alex Tan

Former Rototuna High School Student

Tips & Advice

How do you deal with stress?
It is important to find hobbies so you have balance. Outside of work, I do kick boxing, which is a good way to help manage stress, It is also important to be in the mindset that challenges are going to happen, and it’s about how you best look after your client when they do arise.
What should you know prior to working in this industry?
Coming into this job my manager provided me with plenty of information so I was well prepared. It is good to have a bit of knowledge with mechanics or a related field, as well as some knowledge of computers.
What’s your advice for someone thinking about what their career might look like?
Go out and have a look around! Take time to make your decision, you don’t need to rush into anything too early but definitely get out and explore your options and think about what your future could look like.

About CAL Isuzu

CAL Isuzu is a Hamilton-based industry leader in new and used trucks, modifying hundreds of heavy vehicles each year to meet customer demand.

With the latest models and access to the newest technology, the CAL Isuzu team is stoked when the alarm goes off in the morning because they love what they do.

They get a kick out of working with new technology, making modifications and performing maintenance to keep their customers on the road.

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