The downstream fuel sector is built on strong relationships between colleagues, communities and customers. For some, those connections run even deeper, spanning generations and shaping career choices in unexpected ways.
For Peter and Jack Rice of Essar Energy Transition, working within the same organisation has provided a unique opportunity to share experiences from two very different corners of the business.
Peter, a Loading Operator, has spent his career at the operational heart of fuel distribution, while Jack has brought his communications background into the industry through a very different route.
Speaking with Claudia Weeks, Community Content Lead for Fuel Oil News, the father-and-son duo reflect on their individual career journeys, the influence of family, what they have learned from one another, and why the downstream fuel sector continues to offer rewarding and varied career opportunities.
Industry experience
Peter reflected on how his career has evolved over more than two decades in the industry:
“I first joined the business in June 2000, as an agency worker, spending 12 months as a Traffic Office Assistant responsible for dispatching chemical loads.
“In 2001, I officially joined Shell and remained in the same role, taking on additional responsibilities including vehicle inspections and safety checks to support safe loading operations.
“Following a company restructure, I moved into the resin warehouse as a warehouse and loading operator, handling a variety of chemicals. I then progressed across several gantries, including the 35 gantry, the olefin plant and gantry, and the toluene gantry, gaining broad operational experience.
“When Essar took over in 2011, my day-to-day role remained largely unchanged, continuing to load Shell products while Shell operated as a third-party customer until December 2018. In 2019, I continued working across the olefin and 35 gantries before moving into a more specialised role.
“Today, I work primarily as a toluene loader while also supporting the traffic office, combining my operational expertise with my original logistics background. I also manage documentation for slop oil movements and bio-diesel transfers via another company. Over the years, my role has evolved considerably, giving me extensive experience across operational, logistical and safety-focused aspects of the site.”
A graduate role
Jack has taken a different path into the downstream industry, joining Essar Energy Transition on a graduate scheme. “Landing myself a role in the energy sector could be considered slightly unconventional in the context that my degree focused on business and media in the football industry.
“Towards the end of my time at university, I came to realise that I did not want to be restricted to the football and sports industry, so kept my search for a graduate role open across a variety of sectors.
“An opportunity arose at Essar Energy Transition and following an assessment day, I quickly realised the graduate communications role closely aligned with my interests and skills derived from my time at university.
“What appealed to me most about the energy sector is the collective drive and ambition there is to make a better future for everyone, combining the critical nature of energy security with decarbonisation.
“My time on the graduate scheme has been fast-paced, insightful, and varied, with plenty of learning and development opportunities to immerse myself in the technical aspects of communications, as well as developing my understanding of the wider energy transition.”
A typical day
“My role involves the loading and dispatch of product from site – specifically toluene,” Peter explained what a typical day can look like as a Loading Operator.
“I work primarily as a loader, supporting hauliers with the loading of toluene into tankers but in recent years I’ve also been more involved with the administration side of the job. This includes ensuring haulier drivers have the correct paperwork before loading commences, completing various safety checks and then making sure all paperwork is complete from both us and the haulier before the haulier leaves site with our toluene.
“A typical shift may include anywhere from two to six loads a day. In between loads, my time is spent responding to haulier enquiries, as well as working with our commercial team who process the sales of the toluene.”
A graduate perspective
Jack explained how his role as a Communications Graduate offers exposure to a wide range of activities across Essar Energy Transition’s portfolio of businesses:
“The communications role is incredibly varied. I started in internal communications, focusing on colleague engagement and ensuring employees across the site stay informed through channels such as the intranet, digital screens and our weekly newsletter.
“I’ve recently begun my first rotation in external communications, which has involved managing our social media channels, supporting the development and distribution of press releases, and working closely with our external PR agency to help protect and enhance the company’s reputation.
“In the first eight months of my time here, I’ve already led a number of projects, including the company’s Christmas Toy Appeal, sponsorship activities such as the EET Four Villages Half Marathon and Essar Chester Half Marathon, as well as the Stanlow 100 Cup, our annual colleague football tournament held at Tranmere Rovers’ Prenton Park stadium.
“I’ve also had the chance to engage with local schools through initiatives such as Chemistry at Work Week with Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, the Ellesmere Port STEAM Festival, and activities at St Bernard’s School, helping to inspire the next generation through hands-on experiments and real-world insights into careers in industry.
“Looking ahead, I’ll continue to build my experience in external communications, developing my skills in social media content creation, design and feature writing before moving into my next rotation.”
Family influence
Fuel Oil News was keen to discuss what influence Peter’s career had on Jack and whether he was a key driver in his son joining EET.
“My dad’s career strongly influenced my decision to join the business,” explained Jack. “It was during the COVID-19 pandemic when I saw first-hand how critical our industry is, as the toluene he loads is used in pharmaceutical products. It was at this point I realised the scale of the business, and it is something I’m now proud to be a part of.
“When joining Essar Energy Transition, my dad’s advice was for me to just take everything in and to make the most of the expertise of the professionals around me. He has worked at Stanlow for over 25 years now and has met plenty of great people during this time, so he had no doubt that it would be an environment in which I could develop and thrive.”
Peter explained how he feels about Jack following him into the industry: “It is a really proud moment for me. The energy sector has been a big part of our lives while Jack has been growing up, so seeing him begin his career in the same industry is fantastic – especially knowing the opportunities it can offer him.
“It has also been great to see how well he has settled into life at Essar Energy Transition. Having been here for over 25 years, Jack has heard plenty of stories from me about Stanlow, so to see him now working here himself, straight after finishing his education, is a very proud moment.”
Three words
Claudia asked both Peter and Jack to describe each other in three words:
Peter describing his son, Jack:
- Ambitious
- Trailblazer
- Results-oriented
Jack describing his father, Peter:
- Hard-working
- Family-oriented
- Resilient
Working together
“Unfortunately, we don’t have any interaction at work,” Jack commented, explaining how interacting at work isn’t possible for the father and son duo. “Stanlow is such a huge site at 770 hectares, it is the size of approximately 1,078 football pitches!
“I’m based in the administration building, while my dad is based in a separate dispatch building on the other side of the plant. However, this just means we have more stories to share with each other when we’re both back at home!”
Learning from each other
Working within the same organisation has also given both Peter and Jack a greater appreciation for each other’s roles and the contributions different teams make to the success of the business.
Peter said: “One thing I’ve come to learn and appreciate is just how important the communications team is to our business. Before Jack joined, I had a basic understanding of what the team did but seeing him become part of that department has opened my eyes to the breadth of their work.
“Knowing what I do now, it’s definitely a function that can sometimes go unnoticed, yet its impact and reach across the business are significant – both internally and externally.”
For Jack, working alongside his father has reinforced the value of commitment and precision.
“From my dad, I’ve learned the importance of dedication and attention to detail, particularly in a role where safety and accuracy are critical. Hearing about his day-to-day responsibilities has also given me a much better understanding of the operational side of the business, which has been invaluable in my communications role when thinking about how we represent different teams across the site.”
Company and culture
When asked whether they would recommend Essar Energy Transition as a place to work, both Peter and Jack highlighted the people and opportunities that have shaped their own experiences with the business.
Peter said: “I would definitely recommend Essar Energy Transition at Stanlow as a place to work. For me, the length of time I’ve spent here is a testament to how rewarding it can be. What stands out most is the number of hardworking people across the site who support one another every day.
“On a site of this scale, you have the opportunity to build relationships with people from a wide range of teams and disciplines. I also value the way so many third-party organisations work alongside each other here, all contributing towards a common goal.”
From the graduate perspective, Jack shared a similar view: “From the day I joined, it was clear that this is a workplace that genuinely cares about its people and values the contribution they make.
“What has stood out to me is the enthusiasm people have for what they do, and their willingness to share their knowledge and help others develop their understanding of the business.
“Stanlow is a site of critical national infrastructure, home to highly complex assets and processes managed by experts with a wealth of technical experience. Despite not coming from a scientific background, I’ve found colleagues more than happy to explain how things work and help broaden my understanding of the operational side of the business.
“Whether through the graduate scheme or simply by connecting with colleagues across the site, there are countless opportunities to learn, grow and develop a rewarding career at Essar Energy Transition.”
Inspiring the next generation
Both Peter and Jack believe the downstream energy sector offers a wealth of opportunities for those considering their future careers.
Peter said: “I’d definitely encourage others, especially younger people, to consider a career in this industry. One of the biggest strengths of working at a site like this is the variety of roles available – from office-based positions to hands-on, operational roles in the field. There are so many different career paths and opportunities to explore, depending on your interests and skills.
“It’s also an exciting time to join the industry, with a strong focus on the future through industrial decarbonisation and developments such as hydrogen. Being part of that transition and helping to shape a more sustainable energy future makes it a really rewarding sector to work in.”
Jack echoed this sentiment, highlighting the breadth of opportunities emerging as the industry evolves.
“Even in the short time I’ve been here, I can confidently say this is an industry the next generation should consider when exploring their career options.
“Across the energy sector, there are ambitious plans for the energy transition, creating opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines to play a meaningful role.
“With such ambitious goals, the industry needs diverse skills and expertise. Whether your strengths lie in corporate functions or operational roles on site, there’s a good chance your contribution could help drive the energy transition forward.
“From my experience at Essar Energy Transition , there’s also a real commitment to investing in young talent. It will be our generation that carries this momentum forward, making this an exciting time to build a career in the sector.”
The bigger picture
As someone from the next generation entering the sector, Jack is optimistic about the role the industry can play in shaping a more sustainable future.
“The energy transition is exciting to me, partly because it’s essential. The work already underway across the sector is strengthening energy security and helping to future-proof our world for generations to come. While we’re often talking about the next generation, the decisions and investments being made today will benefit those that follow for many years ahead.
“In terms of what I’d like to see, I’d simply like the collective momentum behind the energy transition to continue. From my perspective, innovation is already well underway, with significant progress being made in areas such as hydrogen production, carbon capture, new energies and sustainable aviation fuel.
“If there is one thing I’d like to see more of across the wider sector, it would be greater government backing and support for these transformative projects. By creating the right conditions for investment and growth, we can move more quickly from ambition to action and deliver the energy transition at the pace required.”
Passing the torch
Reflecting on more than 25 years in the industry, Peter believes the pace and direction of the energy transition are both necessary and encouraging.
“When I first started my career, there were around ten refineries operating in the UK. Today, there are only four remaining. That alone highlights just how critical businesses like ours are to the UK economy and why it’s so important that Essar Energy Transition continues investing in projects that will secure our future for the next 100 years and beyond.
“It’s clear to me that we’re playing a leading role in the UK’s energy transition, and the direction of travel is incredibly positive. Sustainable aviation fuel is one area that deserves significant attention and support, particularly given the number of airports we supply. Equally, hydrogen production and carbon capture will be vital in helping our industry decarbonise while maintaining the energy security the country depends upon.
“There are also many innovative projects taking place across the site, including smaller initiatives that demonstrate the creativity and ambition driving the sector forward.
“Having witnessed so much change throughout my career, I genuinely believe the most important chapter is still ahead of us. The responsibility now lies with the next generation to build on the progress that’s been made and help deliver the secure, lower-carbon future we’ve all been working towards.”
From Peter’s decades of operational experience to Jack’s enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead, their story highlights the people at the heart of the energy transition. While the technologies, processes and priorities of the industry may continue to evolve, its future will ultimately be shaped by those willing to learn, adapt and carry the sector forward for generations to come.
Image credit: Essar Energy Transition (EET)
