Petrol pump attendants work at filling stations or garages where petrol is served to customers.
Petrol pump attendants' tasks include:
- filling customers' vehicles with petrol or diesel to the requested level
- taking cash and providing change or preparing bank petrol charge slips
- checking the oil and water levels of the vehicle
- cleaning windscreens
- checking the air pressure of tyres and pumping them up if necessary
- changing flat tyres
- selling and fitting minor spares
Satisfying Aspects
- working mostly outdoors
- working with people
- receiving good tips from customers when good service is provided
Demanding aspects
- dealing with rude and over-demanding people
- boredom during slack periods
- not very high remuneration
Requirements
A petrol pump attendant should:
- be friendly and helpful;
- have reasonable verbal ability;
- able to understand and carry out instructions;
- be responsible and reliable;
- able to work quickly;
- be willing to work night shifts, at weekends and on public holidays.
School Subjects
No specific requirements.
Employers prefer a Grade 8 Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Mechanical Technology
Training
Petrol pump attendants receive their training on the job. At first the trainees will perform relatively simple tasks such as cleaning the station, serving petrol and cleaning windscreens. Gradually they may progress to more advanced work, such as performing simple maintenance tasks on vehicles, fitting parts on cars and helping to keep records.
Some garages send their attendants for training courses at their head office or training centre. The following can be offered to attendants by garages for their employees:
- Basic fire training.
- Health hygiene.
- Security awareness.
Working from lower levels can enable attendants to proceed to positions such as cashiers, drivers or senior attendant's managers.
Employer
- petrol filling stations
- garage owners