Petrol station attendant

In self-service petrol stations, attendants handle payments, maintain the station forecourt and serve in the shop. At a few petrol stations, attendants put the fuel into customers’ vehicles for them. Attendants make sure that strict safety rules are followed.

Also known as

• Forecourt assistant

Work activities

Petrol station attendants are also called forecourt assistants. They sell petrol, diesel and other products such as groceries, newspapers and lottery tickets. Many petrol stations now sell electricity for electric vehicles although this is usually paid for at a self-service machine or via an app. Some attendants work from small kiosks while others work in forecourt buildings that are also shops or convenience stores. Dealing with customers is a key part of this job. Most petrol stations are self-service. Attendants watch a computer screen that logs the amount of fuel being taken from each pump. They can stop the flow to any pump if they need to. Attendants need to be alert to any drivers who try to drive off without paying for their fuel, or those who try to use a mobile phone on the forecourt. Attendants deal with payments, offer any promotional vouchers (for things like gifts and discounts) and sell tokens for other services, such as a car wash. They take payments in cash as well as by debit or credit card, and they deal with loyalty cards. Attendants stock shelves and keep outside display areas filled with things like newspapers, flowers, and de-icer or barbecue charcoal. In attended service stations, attendants go on to the forecourt to serve and customers and to promote products such as screen wash.

Petrol station attendants might also have to clean and tidy the pumps and the forecourt area. Some might carry out routine inspections of equipment such as the car wash and the airlines used to pump up car tyres. Safety and security are very important in this work. Fuel is highly flammable so strict safety rules must be followed. Attendants put sand on to petrol that has been spilt. Some attendants deal with fuel deliveries by putting traffic cones around the tanker and checking fuel meters for the underground tanks. Attendants are responsible for the security of money on the premises and can be involved in cashing up at the end of the shift. Some duties, especially for those working at attended service stations, mean that the attendant could be outside in all types of weather. If the petrol station is open at night, the attendant might have to serve customers through a hatch for security reasons. In smaller petrol stations, the attendant might work alone at night. Some petrol station attendants wear a uniform.

Personal qualities and skills

As a petrol station attendant, you will need to be able to:

• Be polite and helpful and enjoy dealing with people.
• Work quickly and accurately at busy times.
• Be aware of, and closely follow, health and safety rules.
• Work as part of a team.
• Carry out practical tasks, such as checking equipment and cleaning.
• Stay alert and be observant.
• Work without supervision; for some jobs, you will need to work on your own at night.

You should have:

• Customer service skills.
• A clear speaking voice.
• Number skills.
• Cash-handling skills.

Pay and opportunities 

The pay rates given are approximate. According to job site Indeed, the average yearly salary for a petrol station attendant in the UK is £18,800. People in senior supervisory roles can earn more.

Attendants usually work a full-time week, which could include early starts, late finishes, shift work and weekend work. Part-time opportunities are available.

Employers are petrol stations. Most jobs are in large self-service stations or those run by supermarkets. Opportunities for petrol station attendants occur in towns, cities and rural areas (including at motorway service stations) throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, in stores, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

You can enter this career by applying directly for vacancies at fuel forecourts and supermarkets. To work alone at a petrol station, you must be 18 or over to comply with petrol licensing regulations.

You’ll learn mainly on-the-job with instruction from experienced attendants and/or the manager. Training will include fire safety and emergency procedures. Some attendants go on short training courses run by fuel companies. You might be able to work towards an Award, Certificate or Diploma in Retail Skills at level 1 or 2.

Petrol station attendants can progress to team leader, supervisor and manager posts.

Qualifications

A general standard of English and maths is usually needed. Some employers might ask for GCSEs in English and maths. Alternative work-related qualifications include Edexcel (BTEC) level 2 First qualifications. Sales or customer service skills will be an advantage.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. To work alone at a petrol station, you must be 18 or over to comply with petrol licensing regulations.

Some entrants have a background in customer service, handling cash and/or security work.

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