At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor and troubleshoot equipment, ensuring safe operations at our Fawley Refinery.
- Company: Join ExxonMobil, a leader in energy and chemical production with over 135 years of experience.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £35,423 plus shift allowance, training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic training programme leading to full qualification as a Process Operator within a year.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that impacts modern life while prioritising safety and the environment.
- Qualifications: Minimum GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science; valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Job Role Description
We are currently recruiting Trainee Process Operators to join our team at our integrated Fawley Refinery and Chemical Complex in Fawley, Hampshire, where you’ll discover an intricate mass of valves, towers, exchangers and pipes, offering endless opportunities to challenge and extend your skills every day. You will join a team committed to safely producing the energy and chemical products that are essential to modern life, economic development and improved standards of living, while protecting our people, the environment and the well‑being of the communities where we operate.
Our Offer
- A competitive remuneration and benefits package, including a starting salary of £36,310.
- As Trainees move to fully rotating shift, they will receive an additional £15,825 annual shift allowance.
- After 12 – 18 months in the Company, a fully qualified Process Operator can expect a range of opportunities to progress and be promoted, including in the areas of Panel Operation, Event Coordination and Supervisory remits. Variable opportunities for overtime also exist.
Training
- Beginning in September 2026, you will join a 12‑week Process Foundation School, blending classroom, workshop, field‑based and discussional learning, led by SMEs, designed to equip you with the fundamental knowledge of our equipment and processes at the Fawley Site.
- Post school, you should expect modular site‑based learning on an operational unit, to learn the specifics of the equipment that you will be operating (including shift exposure).
Job Role Responsibilities
The Role
Fully qualified Process Operators are responsible for the safety, integrity, and operation of local equipment, while running the plant safely and efficiently.
Day to day activities may include the following:
- Monitoring, troubleshooting & fault diagnosis.
- Equipment maintenance.
- Operating procedure & job pack updates. Incident / emergency response.
- Issuing permits for work to be carried out safely by others.
About You
- Hold a valid driving licence permitting you to drive a manual car in the United Kingdom.
- Be over the age of 18 years old on Monday 28th September 2026.
- Have a willingness to work at height, in appropriate safety equipment (including breathing apparatus) and undertake 12‑hour shift work (Days & Nights).
- Although prior relevant experience is not necessary, it would be advantageous to have any of the following:
- Hands on craft skills e.g., mechanical, metals, electrical, plumbing.
- Emergency response familiarity e.g., retained firefighting, RNLI.
- Operational leadership experience e.g., military.
- Experience working at a similar industrial complex.
You will be asked to list your academic qualifications from GCSE (or equivalent), up to the highest academic qualification you have attained, during the application process. At this stage you will need to know and list the grade you attained, and you may be asked to provide supporting certification at a later stage of the recruitment process.
Candidate Expectations
- A commitment to high standards & safety in the workplace.
- Leadership & decision‑making capabilities, based on safety, reliability and business performance.
- Effective communication & team working skills.
- Drive, motivation and commitment to the ownership and completion of tasks.
- Numeracy skills and computer literacy.
- Self‑motivation and a desire to learn.
Trainee Process Operator - Fawley employer: ExxonMobil
At ExxonMobil's Fawley Refinery and Chemical Complex, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous learning. Our comprehensive training programme ensures that Trainee Process Operators not only gain valuable skills but also have clear pathways for career advancement, with opportunities to progress into supervisory roles within just 12-18 months. With a competitive salary and benefits package, including a shift allowance and private healthcare, we are committed to supporting our employees' growth while contributing to sustainable energy solutions in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Process Operator - Fawley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research ExxonMobil and its operations at the Fawley site. Understanding their values and what they stand for will help you tailor your approach during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the online assessment by brushing up on your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge related to process operations. We recommend using resources that simulate the types of questions you might face.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, express your enthusiasm for the role and the industry. Talk about your commitment to safety and teamwork, as these are key qualities they’re looking for in a Trainee Process Operator.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at ExxonMobil and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Process Operator - Fawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:When writing your application, let your passion for the role shine through! We want to see that you're excited about becoming a Trainee Process Operator and ready to tackle the challenges at our Fawley site.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. We love seeing candidates who can connect their background to what we do at ExxonMobil!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your application is easy to read. This will help us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at ExxonMobil
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the basics of process operations and the specific equipment used at the Fawley site. Brush up on your knowledge of valves, towers, and exchangers, as well as safety protocols. This will show your commitment to the role and help you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work in a team during the interview. Share examples of past experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, especially in high-pressure situations. This is crucial for a role that involves incident response and teamwork.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Since safety is paramount in this role, be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. Bring up any relevant experiences or training you've had that highlight your commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about the training process, opportunities for advancement, and how the team handles emergencies. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
