Process Operations Modern Apprenticeship

About Celtic Renewables

Celtic Renewables is widely regarded as one of the most innovative biotech companies in Europe, having developed a patented and proven process that converts biological residues from by-products and waste into sustainable green chemicals, driving the global shift to a circular economy.  

Our technology has successfully reinvented the century old Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation process, bringing it back to a global scale. As a world leader in re-establishing this process, Celtic Renewables operates from Scotland’s first biorefinery in Grangemouth, at industrial and commercial scale.  

Acetone, butanol, and ethanol are found in thousands of everyday products, from cosmetics and medicines, to cleaning products and paints. By converting by-products and waste from industries such as food, drink, and agriculture into green chemicals (bio acetone, bio butanol, and bio ethanol), Celtic Renewables is providing access to cleaner, greener alternatives.  

The Grangemouth facility is the exemplar to building larger scale facilities across the UK and is also our training centre for apprentices. By joining Celtic Renewables, you’ll be part of an innovative team working at a world-leading biorefinery, helping to lead the green chemical revolution.   

Job Purpose

As a Process Operations Modern Apprentice, you will complete a three-year Process Operator Modern Apprenticeship based at Celtic Renewables Grangemouth Manufacturing Centre where you will learn about the ABE process. Over the 3 years, you will receive dedicated training to become a qualified Process Operator, gaining the skills and experience to make a real impact within the Green Chemical sector within Grangemouth. The first year will be full-time study at Forth Valley College with some time spent during college holidays learning and shadowing our experience Process Operators to get a better understanding of the business as you learn in year 1 at college.

Year 1: Attend Forth Valley College to attain a National Certificate and a Performing Engineering Operations SVQ Level 2.

Years 2 and 3: Attend Forth Valley college on day release as directed to study and attain a Higher National Certificate. On site, shadow competent Manufacturing Process Operator Shift Teams in order to attain a SVQ Level 3 in Process Industries Operations – Controlling Process Operations.

• Help to operate complex manufacturing plants to the highest safety, health and environmental standards in accordance with key site systems, and procedures.
• Assist with carrying out first line diagnostics, problem solving and maintenance.
• Help to carry out testing to confirm quality and to monitor process conditions.
• This role involves shift working.

This role involves helping to operate and monitor process control systems for manufacturing plant processes, carrying out analysis activities whilst also undertaking academic qualifications.

Required qualifications and qualities

• Two Highers at grade C or above one of which must be Chemistry and four National 5 awards (or equivalent) which must include Maths and English.
• Some form of work experience (all types considered).
• A responsible attitude with a strong appetite to learn and apply within the working environment.

What’s in it for you?

We’re here to help you make the most of your skills and abilities with first-class training, support, and an investment in your development.

You will earn as you learn. You’ll start on a salary ranging between £16,000 – £20,000 depending on any previous experience, with clear, scheduled pay increases as you reach key milestones throughout your training. You’ll also be eligible to join the private healthcare and a pension scheme.

Why Celtic Renewables?

• Work at a world-leading company: Gain hands on experience working at Scotland’s first and world-leading biorefinery, using the ABE fermentation process to produce green chemicals. 
• Be part of a purpose driven company and team: Help lead the green chemical revolution, contributing to the future of sustainable manufacturing.
• Contribute to real impact: Our green chemicals can be used in thousands of everyday products, helping to reduce the carbon footprints of the items we use in our daily lives.