You can learn some of the skills you need for this job by doing a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Retail Skills.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course
Petrol station sales assistant
Alternative titles for this job include Garage assistant, garage shop assistant, petrol station attendant, filling station attendant
Petrol station sales assistants sell fuel and other items to customers in garage forecourt shops.
Average salary (a year)
£11,000 Starter
to£20,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37 to 39 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota
How to become a petrol station sales assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
Apprenticeship
You may be able to get into this job through a retailer intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More information
Direct application
You can apply directly to petrol station companies. Some employers may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths. Experience in retail sales, customer service or cash handling will be helpful.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- maths knowledge
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be 18 or over to be left in charge of a petrol station
You may need a driving licence and access to a vehicle if you're working late nights or at a motorway service station.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- taking cash and card payments for fuel
- selling other products like food, drinks and newspapers
- re-stocking shelves and fridges
- managing fuel and stock deliveries
- keeping forecourt and shop areas clean and tidy
Working environment
You could work at a store.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to shop supervisor then manager. Many petrol station are owned by supermarkets and you may have opportunities to work in the store.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Apprentice Retail Sales Assistant
- Wage : £164.25 Weekly
- Location: York YO30 4XL
Apprentice Sales Advisor
- Wage : £136.50 Weekly
- Location: Kingston Upon Thames KT1 1SS
Courses In England
certificate in retail skills
- Provider: Marson Garages (Wolstanton) Limited
- Start date: 01 June 2019
- Location: Newcastle under Lyme
Retail Certificate Level 1
- Provider: Gateway Sixth Form College
- Start date: 09 September 2019
- Location: Leicester
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