From crimping to chemical engineering: How Lucy ‘took the leap’ to a new career

SHIFT TECHNICIAN: Lucy Ineson

By Rick Lyon

Lucy Ineson wasn’t satisfied being a hairdresser in a village salon.

Throughout her time at Withernsea High School, she had thought this would be the job for her.

She enjoyed the work and the social side, meeting and talking to people. But, after two years as an apprentice, she was finding it repetitive and couldn’t see where she was heading.

Unsure of the career she wanted to pursue, Lucy went back into full-time education to study her A-Levels in Maths, Chemistry and Biology at Wyke College.

She’d always enjoyed Science at school and her dad, William, had worked in the chemicals industry and had explained to her some of the roles within it.

One year into her A-Levels, Lucy was made aware of apprenticeship opportunities with global chemicals company INEOS Acetyls at Saltend Chemicals Park, on the outskirts of Hull.

GETTING HER STEPS IN: Lucy Ineson with colleagues at Saltend Chemicals Park

She jumped at the chance and has not looked back since.

Now, having completed her Process Operator Apprenticeship, 22-year-old Lucy is working as a Shift Technician in a job she loves.

“I did enjoy hairdressing, but I wanted a change and a bit more of a challenge,” she says.

“Having spoken more to my dad about it and some of the opportunities in the industry, I found out about the apprenticeship. I really liked the sound of it, so I just thought I’d take the leap.”

Lucy, from Easington, began the Process Operator Apprenticeship in September 2019. The first year focused on theory, before Lucy was able to build her knowledge and practical skills by working on the plant.

She qualified in January as a Shift Technician.  

“The apprenticeship gave me a really good insight into what it would be like to work into the chemicals industry,” says Lucy. “I learned about communication, teamwork and working safely, among other things.”

INEOS Acetyls at Saltend is the largest producer of acetic acid, acetic anhydride and ethyl acetate in Europe. These chemicals are used in everyday products and items ranging from detergents and paracetamol to paints and nail varnish remover.

Lucy’s role involves monitoring the plant, alongside her colleagues, to ensure it runs as it should within strict parameters and guidelines.

She is one of only a handful of female INEOS Acetyls operators at Saltend.

“It’s fab,” she says.

“I was a bit nervous about going into a male-dominated workplace, but the lads are great - everyone’s great.

‘IT’S FAB’: Lucy Ineson is loving life with INEOS Acetyls

“Everyone’s really easy to go to if I ever have any questions. They’re all very polite and helpful. It’s a great place to work and I love it.

“I’m out and about on site and I can get in up to 10,000 steps a day, because I’m up and down the columns and walking around all day.”

Founded and chaired by CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who grew up in Hull, INEOS comprises 39 businesses, with 183 sites in 31 countries across the world.

It means there are now countless opportunities for progression across the world available to Lucy.

“There are all sorts of routes I can take now,” she says.

“There are ample opportunities within this job to take different career paths, which could include going abroad to work on different plants.

“It’s all really exciting.”