Engineering bursary scheme with Valero Energy

"The second time I was made redundant was the final push for me to make the change and pursue a career in engineering. Valero offered hope of a job where I could better myself and my life. On my third year applying, after working harder and becoming more determined to succeed, I finally made it.

"I was worried going into an apprenticeship in my mid 20’s that I would fall behind academically after being out of practice, but instead I have discovered new skills I have and new things I am good at. The first year is going well, I enjoy learning new things and developing my skills.

"I am looking forward to qualifying and feeling proud of myself for achieving my goal of becoming and engineer."

Jessica Journeaux (Image: Valero Energy)

Penny John - apprentice, now shift team leader:

"Just over 12.5 years ago, I was working two jobs, both full time hours, and neither of them related to the industry I now work in. I'd always had a keen interest in science at school, but life led me down a different path.

"I read about the apprenticeship and thought maybe next year but thanks to some encouragement from my now husband, I applied at the age of 23. Surprisingly, I wasn't the oldest on the course!! I loved the apprenticeship - learning and earning at the same time.

"Experimental learning works for me. The course gives you an appreciation of how every trade works together to make the refinery work - I even got to try welding, definitely not my forte!!

"After the apprenticeship, I was taken on as a technician in the blending and shipping area, as a berth operator. The first time I berthed a crude ship with over 1 million barrels of oil on board, my heart was in my mouth! The best part of working at the refinery for me, is that no two days are the same.

"After working in the tank farm & road tanker wagon loading area, I became a shift team leader, nine years after starting the apprenticeship. I work 12 days in a 28-day rotation which leaves time for family life, self-development and more, but as shift worker you have to expect to work weekends and bank holidays.

"For me, the apprenticeship changed my life. I have no doubt I would probably still be working 80+ hours a week had I not taken the plunge. 'You cannot always wait for the perfect time, sometimes you must dare to jump.'"

Penny John (Image: Valero Energy)

Fran James - Staff HES Engineer:

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” (Helen Keller).

"It felt like that for me at 19 applying for an apprenticeship in an industry I knew little about. Twenty years on I am now a Manager in the Technical group at the Refinery. I'm still enjoying the adventure. Unsure what to do after sixth form and not wanting the debt incurred at university, I choose to look for other opportunities.

"Spotting the ad for apprenticeships at what was then the Chevron refinery, I knew I had nothing to lose. As an instrument Technician I enjoyed the challenge of fault finding and the satisfaction of knowing that by repairing the equipment I was helping to maintain production.

"I now work as a process Safer Engineer at the Refined and although my role has changed the foundations the apprenticeship provided led me to further my education and gave me the opportunity to shape a career that at 19 I didn't know existed."

To meet the growing demand for engineers we are providing scholarships to Pembrokeshire students intending to study Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering at a UK University.

The Bursary Scheme benefits include:

• £3,000 per academic year.
• Paid employment during summer holidays and a ‘Year in Industry’ placement.
• Mentoring contact at Valero.

Students will be assigned to a Business Unit and will be expected to work at the Refinery during their industrial placement year.

After graduation, students will be entered into the graduate recruitment selection process.

Recruitment is now open for those starting university in September 2023.

If you're studying chemical or mechanical engineering from September 2023, please send a detailed CV and your UCAS Personal Statement to pembrokehr@valero.com