Refinery duo scoop national awards
A PRESTIGIOUS national award has been won by a young engineer at Phillips 66 Humber Refinery – with a colleague coming runner-up.
Process engineer Scott Owen lifted the internationally-recognised Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association’s Early Years Industry Award 2021, collecting a cash prize of £1,500, plus a seat on its council.
Mechanical engineer Connor Benson came second.
The award recognises the efforts of new starters within engineering in member companies, demonstrating their communication skills, engineering application and leadership.
Describing it as an amazing privilege, Scott said: “I would like to thank Phillips 66 and all staff at the Humber Refinery for helping shape my early years in the industry.
“This award, along with the knowledge and experience I’ve gained so far, will provide the foundation for a well-established and successful career in engineering.”
The awards committee was impressed with the entry which demonstrated an engineering dedication not only to his career but also giving time to develop others around him.
He showed a high level of aptitude and has been involved in some of Phillips 66’s key projects, which he was able to share in his presentation.
The seat on the council means he becomes an EEMUA ambassador, promoting the wider industry.
Scott initially joined Phillips 66 in September 2015 for his Year in Industry as part of a University of Manchester course.
He completed his degree in chemical engineering before rejoining Phillips 66 fulltime in 2017. In September, he became a process safety specialist.
Darren Cunningham, lead executive for Phillips 66 in the UK and the general manager of the Humber Refinery where both work, said: “I would like to not only congratulate Scott on winning the EEMUA Early Years Industry Award, but also congratulate Connor for coming second.
“It is just reward for their outstanding work and progress since joining Phillips 66.
“We are proud to have such a highlytalented team at the Humber Refinery and we thank EEMUA for recognising Scott and Connor’s considerable achievements.”