Every day, millions of drivers fill up their tanks at thousands of petrol forecourts across the country.

They take it for granted the fuel will flow smoothly and without interruption, and they will drive away from the forecourt within minutes.

Few, if any, give thought to the pumps, or the people who ensure a smooth and uninterrupted process.

Gilbarco-Veeder-Root, which has its European, Middle Eastern and African headquarters in Basildon, is the world-leader in petrol and diesel pump technology.

It is this firm’s engineers who keep most of the UK’s pumps flowing freely.

GVR works with Prospects College, in Basildon, training service engineers.

Apprentices Harry Bennett, 18, from South Woodham Ferrers and Kiran Govender, 19, from Southend have just completed their first year of full time training at Prospects, and are ready to hit the road with their mentor.

The next stage of their training to become fully qualified service engineers is the advanced level Engineering Maintenance Apprenticeship (Level 3) qualification. Each week they will spend four days on the road and study for one day per week at college. They will assist with the diagnosis of faults with forecourt equipment.

Harry said: “I wanted a hands-on job earning money while training. The travel also appealed to me.”

Kiran added: “Gilbarco Veeder-Root have given us a lots of support and are a good company to work for.”

Jaynie Vincent, HR director for the Gilbarco Veeder- Root apprenticeship programme, said: “We have been impressed with Harry and Kiran. We are now looking to recruit another apprentice in the Basildon area, plus four others across England.”

Gilbarco Veeder-Root donated a fuel dispenser to the college for the engineering students to train. Harry and Kiran decommissioned and cleaned the fuel dispenser ready for college use.