SCHOOL-LEAVERS with a love of maths and science are being encouraged to sign up for an ExxonMobil apprenticeship at Fife Ethylene Plant.

The Mossmorran site will take on four apprentices to begin training at college this September.

Of these, three are in engineering, with a course at Forth Valley College in Falkirk, and one is in business administration and will be studied at Fife College in Kirkcaldy.

The engineering apprenticeships will be in the varied feels of instrumentation, analysers and mechanical and will all follow the same structure.

The first year will be full-time study at college learning practical skills before two years with one day at college and the fourth year at the Mossmorran complex learning from experienced team members.

In the final year the trainees will work full-time on site to develop their knowledge and complete training.

Candidates for this course should be aged 16 or over and have, or be expected to achieve, a minimum of four National 5s at grade C or above in English, Maths, Physics, and Chemistry as well as an additional subject such as graphic communication or engineering science.

Lewis Robson from Dunfermline, a second year machinery apprentice at FEP, said: "It was quite a thorough selection process which tested your ability in lots of different areas and set you up for thinking about things when you are working on the plant.

"I would tell anyone thinking of applying to definitely go for it because it is a brilliant scheme and is giving me a great learning experience.

"Every day is different and that’s what I really like as you could be working on lots of different things."

The businesses administration apprenticeship will take place over two years spent studying for one day in college and working four days at the plant.

This will involve being responsible for several admin tasks including SharePoint management and improvement, data analysis, diary management, meeting management and event organisation.

Candidates for this option should also be aged 16 or over and have, or be expected to achieve a minimum of one Higher at grade C or above plus National 5s at grade C or above in English and Maths as well as two others in relevant subjects.

The closing date for applications is April 21, after which a select number of applicants will be invited to take part in an aptitude test which includes questions on a variety of topics from literacy and numeracy to problem solving.

Those who pass this stage will then be invited for interview.

Martin Burrell, Plant Manager at FEP, said: "We are very proud of our apprenticeship programme which has been running in various forms for over 30 years now.

"It has produced many outstanding engineers, many who are still working with us decades later.

"I would encourage any young people who are interested in finding their future at FEP to apply as it could lead them to a very varied and exciting career.”

To apply, or for more information on current apprenticeships, visit jobs.exxonmobil.com and search for Fife.