THREE ExxonMobil apprentices say they are over the moon after securing full-time jobs at the Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP).

Ross Drummond (25), Zoe Smith (21) and Daniel Scobbie (23) have earned their places at the plant after completing a four year apprenticeship scheme.

Ross trained as an electrical technician, Zoe studied mechanical maintenance and Daniel instrument maintenance.

Zoe did one year full-time study at Fife College, while Daniel and Ross studied at Forth Valley College in Falkirk.

All three then completed another two years of day release at college, working the other four days putting their learning into practice at the Mossmorran plant. A final year working full-time on site completed the programme.

Now all their hard work has paid-off with all three being awarded permanent posts at the Mossmorran plant.

“I am absolutely delighted to get a job at FEP and I can’t wait to get started in September,” said Ross.

“It’s great that all three of us have been given full-time posts. That’s a very high success rate, which says a lot for the ExxonMobil apprenticeship scheme.”

Ross is engaged to Sandie Ferguson and they plan to marry in a few year’s time.

Zoe added: “I found out I had been successful just before I went on holiday in June, so it was a great break!

“I love working here and, apart from having to get some tools made especially for me, I’m treated just like any other member of the team.

“I see a lot more females working at FEP, and I would really encourage anyone who is interested in engineering to look at the apprenticeship scheme.”

And Daniel said: “When I left school I applied for an apprenticeship, but I wasn’t successful, so I started doing an HNC at the college. I re-applied the next year and got in, which was great and I have really enjoyed the course.

“It’s great studying and learning on site at the same time because you can really see how the instruments you have been learning about at college work in real life.

“The people I have been working with at FEP will do anything to help you if you have questions and you get the chance to work on a lot of different things.

“I’m really looking forward to working here.”

Jacob McAllister, FEP plant manager, said: “Our plant is founded on local talent that we can support and nurture.

“Over a third of our team started as apprentices and that’s something we are very proud of.

“Ross, Zoe and Daniel follow that proud tradition and we are delighted to have them on board.”