Training News South Africa

Fuel training grows, adds talent

Fuel was awarded Total's retailer training account last week, which will entail the training of over 5000 forecourt attendants, cashiers and site managers as the brand's representatives at 550 of its service stations around the country. It has also announced the appointment of Francois Loubser, as the new MD for Fuel Motor.
Fuel training grows, adds talent

Company founder and Group MD, Craig Reid, says it is critical to provide a convenient and consistent staff training platform for Total, which relies on large workforces with significant geographical separation of branches. "The company ensures sustainable communication to all representatives of a brand. This will allow it to implement its retail strategy from senior management all the way down the ranks to the staff through which customers experience the brand day-to-day."

The forecourt staff and managers will be trained by means of presenter-led videos, viewed on touch screens and PCs at the filling stations where they work. "We use the most engaging digital training format available to allow for a level of 'edutainment' that ensures the user's focused attention on the training material," Reid continues.

Loubser brings years of experience

The appointment of Loubser, who effectively stepped into the role of MD at the end of last year, marks another milestone for the company, as it restructures and redefines its training offering. A doyen of the local marketing and motoring industries, Loubser brings experience and trade understanding to his new role.

Reid says, "He is an exceptional leader and his depth of insight into the motoring sector will be instrumental to the growth the motor training business. He will drive our strategy to extend the company's expertise as a sales and product training specialist, into offering training for every employee within the dealership, head office and manufacturing environments. By doing this, we aim to provide a holistic learning solution for our OEM clients."

Loubser served as director and later vice president of marketing communications during a career at Toyota SA, which spanned more than 35 years. During his tenure, he played a material role in establishing the manufacturer as a market leader and one of the most successful marques in South Africa. Loubser sat for more than 20 years on hearing committees of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) including many years on its final appeals committee, served stints as chair of the South African Advertising Research Foundation (SAARF) and as a judge of the Loeries advertising awards. He is also currently the Naamsa Show coordinator for the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

With the appointment of Loubser as Fuel Motor MD, Reid moves into the position of Fuel Group MD. Reid is optimistic about the year ahead for the business.

The company has moved away from its 'Fuel Online Training' brand and this month has introduced its fresh branding to reflect its new positioning. Its revamped red and white corporate identity now incorporates four new icons representing the key pillars of its offering, namely consult, create, implement, and manage.

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