With an eye very much on the future, EOUK recently announced the formation of Vertex Hydrogen Limited. The joint venture to develop the UK’s largest hydrogen hub at the Stanlow manufacturing complex is seen as a path to securing the company’s long-term role in energy production. Following this launch, the announcement of a planned investment of £45m in the installation of the UK’s first hydrogen refinery furnace marked another significant milestone in the energy producer’s commitment to become the UK’s first low carbon refinery.
A workforce for the future
The scale of transitional development planned will require a suitably skilled workforce and Essar has also invested in an apprenticeship programme. The company says that its apprenticeships will develop the skills and talents needed for the transition to a low-carbon future.
Essar Stanlow employs 800 people and produces over 16 percent of the UK’s road transport fuels and fifteen apprentices have already completed their training programme at the site to qualify with BTECs in Science Industry Maintenance, Science Manufacturing and NVQ Diplomas in Process and Maintenance Engineering.
Mark Pennifold, chief people officer at Essar said: “The work that our 15 apprentices, have put in over the last few years has been immense but it has paid off.
“It is testament to their personal resilience and determination that they have successfully completed these qualifications in the most challenging of circumstances. We are looking forward to supporting their development as we develop the UK’s first low carbon refinery at Essar.”