THREE teens who have just begun apprenticeships with ExxonMobil visited the Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran as they began their journey, which will be where they are eventually based.

Ben Sharp (18) and Kyle Petersen (18), are embarking on an apprenticeship in Instrumentation and Process Control, while Jamie White (19), is an Electrical apprentice.

The trio started their four-year Modern Apprenticeship at Forth Valley College this week.

A year of study at the college will be followed by two years of day release with the other four days working and learning at FEP and a final year of full-time work at the plant.

The apprentices were invited to attend an informal evening with their parents at FEP, when Jacob McAlister, the plant manager, welcomed them and gave a brief introduction to the plant while they enjoyed pizza and refreshments.

“We have had some 200 people who have come through the apprenticeship programme and it is a very valuable route for future talent,” he told them.

“You were one of 180 applicants who wanted to join, so there were several other people who wanted to be in the position you are now in. You are the best of the best.”

Doug Gillespie, maintenance support group manager, told the group that he had been in the same position as them 30 years ago.

“I can remember it like it was yesterday,” he said.

“It may be a bit daunting to start with, but you will be surrounded by a great group of people and the opportunities that are available to you are outstanding. It is up to you to make the most of them.”

Ben, a former pupil of Woodmill High School in Dunfermline, said he was “really chuffed” to have gained an apprenticeship with FEP.

“I heard about it from my grandad who just retired from here four years ago,” he said.

"I had applied last year but I didn’t get in, so when I got in this year I felt very proud of myself.

"I am looking forward to working hard and learning lots of new things.”

Lorraine Kerr, business development partner at Forth Valley College said: “This apprenticeship programme is great because it is teaching young people practical skills while they are learning.

“We have worked with ExxonMobil for many years and their apprentices have always been excellent.”