Case Study: Phil Woolfall
About Foster Wheeler
Foster Wheeler Energy Limited, part of Foster Wheeler's E&C Group, is an international project management, engineering, procurement and construction company offering a complete range of services to the energy and industrial sectors, principally serving the refining, upstream oil and gas, LNG and gas-to-liquids, petrochemical, chemicals, power and pharmaceuticals industries. The company, which executes projects all over the world, has over 85 years of experience and employs over 3,500 people. It is headquartered in Reading with substantial full capability offices in Glasgow, Teesside and Johannesburg.
What made you apply for a job at Foster Wheeler?
As a university graduate I was keen to join a company that would help me in attaining chartered engineer status. At Foster Wheeler the IChemE accredited graduate training scheme ensures one receives the support and experience necessary to achieve this.
Is there the option for variety in your job?
I have spent periods out of the office working as operations supervisor on a polyolefins plant, on site at two refineries and in Spain for two years managing work undertaken by another contractor. I have also worked on the design of oil refineries, petrochemical facilities and oil and gas installations all around the world. Currently I manage a team of engineers with responsibility for the chemical engineering work on all chemicals and related projects.
Variety in one's work at Foster Wheeler is not an option, it is a certainty. Projects only exist for a defined period so there are always new clients, technical challenges and processes to encounter.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
In my current role I enjoy the challenges associated with meeting the requirements of all our international clients in an extremely busy and challenging market place. I enjoy being part of the company management team whose knowledge is invaluable as I continue to gain experience within the business.