Trainees with diverse career background champion ExxonMobil Fawley's Process School

Since 2022, over 130 trainees have graduated from the school before moving into the Fawley site, where they continue to learn, develop and progress to Technician or Process Leader positions and beyond.

This year’s intake has seen 18 recruits embark on an intensive 12-week training programme at the UK’s largest integrated petrochemical complex.

Drawing recruits from backgrounds including the police, teaching, the armed forces, and graphic design, four former trainee process operators have shared their experiences, encouraging other aspiring technicians to realise that their dream career may be more achievable than they think.

Penelope Watson, a former Housing Officer and Reserve in the Royal Navy, changed careers at the age of 41. Leveraging her skills and refined communication abilities previously honed by the Navy, she now says she will “never look back”.

“Coming back to formal education was daunting, but I’m savouring the opportunity to learn every day as I work towards becoming a Process Operator for Butyl,” said Penelope. “The sense of achievement as I progress through the training is incredibly motivating.”

Another advocate for enriching training and mentorship is Jessica, who transitioned from graphic design and leisure centre management and is now working on the CAT Plant.

During her time at the leisure centre, she discovered a passion for technical work and problem-solving, often finding that she preferred learning the mechanics of how the equipment worked.

Jessica said: “The switch in career was challenging, but the supportive environment at ExxonMobil made all the difference. The hands-on training and team bonding activities were crucial in building my confidence and skills, and I’ve already started spotting ways that my graphic design degree could potentially be used in my work.”

Also sharing his journey is Simon Townend, who has already changed careers once before, moving from the RAF Police Service to becoming a self-employed Gas Engineer.

He said: “My experience in managing workloads and teamwork seamlessly integrated with ExxonMobil’s operational framework, and the organisation's emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth aligns perfectly with my career goals.

“If you’re looking for a challenging and fulfilling career, ExxonMobil offers fantastic prospects, no matter what your career history. There’s something here for everyone, so do your research and grab the opportunity. You won’t regret it.”

Rounding out the group is former teacher George Adams, who now works on-site in Distillation. He added: “Joining ExxonMobil was the best decision I’ve made. The support and camaraderie are unmatched.”

To stay up to date on ExxonMobil Fawley’s next Trainee Process Operator recruitment opportunities, visit jobs.exxonmobil.com (search Fawley) and follow the site’s social media accounts, ‘ExxonMobil Fawley’ on LinkedIn and Facebook.