New apprentices start at ExxonMobil Fawley

ExxonMobil Fawley has welcomed its latest group of recruits, with 11 new apprentices joining the New Forest-based petrochemical complex.

The apprentices will undertake a three-year advanced apprenticeship (level 3) in electrical, instrumentation or mechanical maintenance.

Their extensive training will combine theoretical studies at Southampton College with practical learning at the UK’s largest petrochemical complex.

It will lead to the completion of the Science Industry Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship which includes technical qualifications in either BTEC or HNC Engineering.

One of the apprentices, Sophie, 21, joined the programme after seeking a role in instrumentation.

She will learn how to maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot the site’s operating systems.

Sophie said: “It’s an incredible privilege to be part of the Maintenance Apprenticeship Programme at ExxonMobil Fawley.

“After completing my first day on site with my mentor, I’m excited to be part of the Fawley team and to start gaining hands-on experience in the field.

“Being able to combine the theory I’m learning at Southampton College with such invaluable on-the-job training is already helping me grow and gain experiences that will strengthen my career.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

Each apprentice will spend four days a week at college and one day alternating between on site mentoring and health and safety training in their first year.

In the second year, they will be on site four days a week with one day at college and by the third year they will be on site full-time.

The ExxonMobil Fawley apprenticeship scheme, which started in 1952, has graduated over 200 apprentices since 2005, with more than half continuing to work at the plant today.

Tom Vanderwegen, Maintenance Manager, said: “We recognise the importance of investing in high-quality training to develop the next generation of engineers and technicians.

“Many of our team members began their careers as apprentices and take great pride in mentoring our recruits, providing invaluable knowledge and support that will guide them throughout their professional developments.”

“We are thrilled to continue this long standing tradition with our latest apprentices and wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their journey.”