Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery has linked up with a leading regional training provider to deliver a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship.
The company will work with Humberside Engineering Training Association to cover a key skill set as it embraces a low carbon future. A £300 million plan to get to Net Zero was unveiled in January.
The Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician Apprenticeship will provide a route to a highly skilled role working on a full range of static and pressurised equipment, such as vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and the network of pipelines at the oil giant.
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The analysis technique is used by industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component, structure or system for characteristic differences or welding defects without causing damage to the original part. Testing can include radiography, ultrasonics and penetrant testing, all described as vital for the safe and reliable running of the refinery and industrial sites. Spanning three years, the programme will see apprentices based at HETA for the first year, with the remainder on site at North Killingholme.
Luc Smets, general manager LOR, said: "The foundations for transforming Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery into a low carbon refinery for the next generation are in place, and our commitment is strong to deliver. So is our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we operate in.
"As we embark on our low carbon transition, it is essential we have the right people and skills supporting our next generation transition. Apprenticeships are a great route for enabling local people to gain the experiences and qualifications to support our energy transition and be at the heart of that journey with us, as they begin their own career paths.
“We are delighted to be working with HETA on our trade apprenticeships and delivering the first non-destructive testing apprenticeships in the region."
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HETA is currently building a new £5.5m million state-of-the-art training facility at Stallingborough, just across the port complex from the refinery. It also has operations in Scunthorpe and Hull. Development of the course, to be delivered at the new centre, had been highlighted in February.
Two apprenticeships will start in September.
Iain Elliott, chief executive at HETA, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be working closely with Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery on this exciting and innovative approach to developing non-destructive testing engineers.
"Our core ethos, since our formation in 1967, is to listen to the requirements of employers and support them in achieving their skills ambitions. With research suggesting that the pool of highly skilled engineers is diminishing year on year, apprenticeships are the perfect solution to ensuring that Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery has the skills required in their workforce to meet the challenges of the future."
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