So, you've heard about the parking industry and think it is the right career path for you. It's a good choice, but exactly how do you go about getting started in the industry, what qualifications will you need and what sort of parking jobs are available? Read on to find out.
Key skills
The exact skills needed to get into parking depend on the specific position, but there a few core attributes that are useful for the sector as a whole. These include :
- A strong work ethic
- Good communication skills
- Patience and tact
- Calmness under pressure
- Strong numeracy skills
- Good IT skills
Entry-level roles
As with any industry, people getting started in the parking sector will nearly always begin at an entry-level position before moving up the career ladder as their skills and experience grow. Two of the typical starting roles in the sector are detailed below.
Civil enforcement officer
More commonly known as traffic wardens to the general public, civil enforcement officers walk the UK's streets ensuring parking regulations are upheld.
So what does it take to become an officer? There are often no formal entry requirements, but a strong academic background with good GCSEs in Maths and English usually helps. Any experience that relates to the duties undertaken in the role is also highly useful.
For example, having experience of using communication skills and working in a customer service environment would set you in good stead. Other attributes employers look for in civil enforcement officers include physical fitness - you'll be expected to cover a lot of ground on foot - and computer literacy, as you may have to use a number of different devices on a day-to-day basis.
Another thing to think about is having a driving licence. This isn't a requirement for all civil enforcement officer roles, but it is for some and may add weight to your application. There are plenty of other skills that come in handy for an officer and being able to demonstrate these in your application will go a long way:
- Ability to work in a team and on your own initiative
- Good decision-making skills even when under pressure
- Strong written English for keeping records
- Knowledge of health and safety
Of course, any knowledge or experience of parking you have will also prove extremely useful.
Parking attendant
A good way to enter the parking sector can be to gain experience as a parking attendant. Often part-time, this position involves providing assistance at car parks to ensure people park their vehicle correctly and make sure any congestion is avoided.
Again, there are rarely any specific qualifications needed for this position, but there are a few skills that will give you a good chance of securing the role. Excellent communication skills are vital, as is the ability to be polite and patient with the public. Parking attendants are often part of a team, so you'll need to work well with others. Furthermore, the role tends to involve a lot of weekend and evening work, so flexibility is a must.
The skills and experiences developed as a parking attendant can be very useful for moving into a full-time parking position such as a civil enforcement officer.
Looking for an entry-level parking job? Take a look at our vacancies.
