MPDS re-accredited for three years at Valero Energy

Following an in-depth audit, the MPDS at Valero Energy Ltd in Pembroke has just been re-accredited for the maximum three years.

Back in 2009, Valero Energy Ltd, Pembroke received accreditation for its mechanical engineer graduate training programme from the Institution meaning Pembroke was an officially recognised training centre for mechanical engineers. The accreditation was up for renewal earlier this year and following an in-depth audit Pembroke was re-accredited for the maximum three years.

Chief Inspection Engineer Clive Brown is proud to have the programme within his department: “MPDS not only enhances an individual’s career profile but it also ensures a strong future for our business by helping attract, develop and retain high calibre engineers. At the end of it individuals get professionally qualified and the business gets professionally qualified individuals. Everybody wins.”

For scheme administrator Jonathan Sanchez achieving, and now keeping, accredited status is a significant milestone: “A lot has changed since we gained our first accreditation; not least that we’re now a different company! It’s reassuring that despite big changes the MPDS remained steadfast and produced results in the form of our very first Chartered Engineer to complete the programme - Jamie Chesmer.”

Jon Cummings, Jamie’s Mentor throughout the last four years, sees great value in the MPDS: “To go from recent graduate through to being deemed a competent professional engineer is no easy task, and people can soon lose their way. Tools such as the MPDS enable companies and individuals to get the most out of those crucial four to five years early in a person’s career. MPDS assures that not only do individuals attain competence but they do so quicker. We could leave it to chance but our LPSA says otherwise, and with Jamie now professionally qualified and another of our engineers, Tim Rudd, due next it shows the MPDS works.”

Maintenance Director and overall MPDS sponsor Andy Thorp is confident MPDS fits well with Valero development programmes:  “The MPDS is complementary to the Valero EPR process; enabling supervisors and participants to better track progress and have those all important career discussions. Furthermore whilst we may deem an individual as competent, to have it independently verified by a recognised external body puts the seal of approval on it.”

Whilst MPDS is the preferred route to obtaining professional qualification other routes exist. Alan King, the Institution’s Business Development Manager for the South West and Wales gave a recent presentation at Pembroke demonstrating how to pursue these routes.  He said:  “The encouraging news that emerged was Valero Energy here in Pembroke now has ten candidates applying for professional registration.”

Want to set up or gain accreditation for an MPDS in your company? Please contact an Institution Business Development Manager in your area: bdm@imeche.org or visit: http://www.imeche.org/engineeringexcellence