Recession-busting recruitment brings new blood into chemicals sector

Chemical sciences firms based at Grangemouth – home to one of Europe's largest oil refineries and petrochemical complexes – have boosted their numbers by investing in young staff, many of whom are in training at nearby Forth Valley College.

In 2011, Grangemouth companies surveyed including refinery operator INEOS, Syngenta and Fujifilm took on 22 apprentices. This number has risen to 27 in 2012 to date, with two more apprentices to be taken on later in the year.

These new figures coincide with the Chemical Sciences Scotland conference which will take place tomorrow, Monday, 5 November at Airth Castle.

Addressing the conference, Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing will welcome the figures. He said: “Scotland’s dynamic chemicals sector makes a substantial contribution to Scotland’s economy and is our second biggest export sector, only behind whisky. I am delighted that companies such as INEOS, Fujifilm and Syngenta recognise the skills and talent of our young workforce and are taking on more apprentices to help them develop long-term careers in this growing sector.

“The strength of Scotland’s chemicals sector is testament to the quality infrastructure and skilled workforce available here. Earlier this year, I joined Chemical Sciences Scotland for the launch of their ambitious strategy for growth, which aims to increase exports by 50 per cent to £4.5bn by 2020. These young apprentices will play an important role, alongside their colleagues, in helping the industry achieve its growth ambitions and further strengthen its contribution to Scotland’s economic success.”

Research into the apprenticeship numbers at Grangemouth, near Falkirk, was carried out by industry leadership group Chemical Sciences Scotland.

Sandy Dobbie, chairman of Chemical Sciences Scotland, said: “These figures are hugely encouraging for the chemicals sector in Scotland, and show there is a growing interest in the industry from young people.

“The chemicals sector is Scotland’s second-largest exporter, with exports worth almost £3bn. Those working in the sector develop highly sought after skills which place them in demand from employers.

“The apprentices who go through such training can look forward to a lengthy career in one of the most dynamic industries in the UK.”

An example of the collaboration between the public and private sector that is helping to boost apprenticeship numbers is a scheme run by Forth Valley College.

Their “Engineers of the Future” is a five-year company-sponsored programme which has been developed as a result of an award winning partnership between Forth Valley College, Heriot-Watt University and industry partner INEOS.

The model they have created provides companies with work-ready graduates with a mix of practical skills, industry experience and academic study through to Masters degree level.

Forth Valley College principal, Linda McKay, added: “The success of apprenticeships at Grangemouth is a testament to the companies and education bodies involved, as well as Scottish Enterprise and Falkirk Council, who have all worked to make a career here a very attractive prospect.

“We want to see more young people considering a career in the chemical sciences. Gaining hands-on experience with some of the biggest players in the sector means apprentices gain the skills that employers are on the lookout for.”

The full list of Grangemouth companies taking on apprentices is: INEOS, Forth Ports, Fujifilm, Dow Chemicals, Syngenta, Cala Chem and Piramal Healthcare.

The Falkirk area supports as many as 8,300 manufacturing jobs, 33 per cent of which are directly involved in the chemical sciences sector (2,700). Many more jobs are also indirectly dependent on the sector.

The chemical sciences sector in Grangemouth has invested in excess of £200m in the last four years, both in R&D and manufacturing projects. Scottish Enterprise plays a key role supporting the sector’s growth ambition and works intensively with companies across Scotland through its account management portfolio offering help such as innovation, exporting and leadership support or specific manufacturing advice through its Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service. For every £1 of public sector support, £8 has been generated by the private sector.

Grangemouth produces the vast majority of Scotland’s and part of north England’s petrol and diesel supply.