Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
- analysis/optimisation/replacement of rotating equipment concerning energy savings & cost of maintenance
- project lead engineer for rotating equipment: INEOS new cumene asset in Marl
- development of strategies, standards, and KPIs for RE (e.g. maintenance strategy, mechanical seals, MTBF)
- root cause analysis and development of a repair strategies
- development and optimisation of the technical documentation for RE

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
- Running
- Diving
- Basketball

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
I’m looking forward to outgrow my personal limits together with my colleagues and to get unique impressions of the nature and the environment in Namibia.

What are you most apprehensive about?
I’m most apprehensive about the different climatic conditions and their impact on my performance.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Through the challenge I want to prove to myself that you can achieve a lot with effort and work. Even things that at first seem to be impossible.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I am in the Kinneil asset support team, based in Grangemouth in Scotland, and I am the Process Engineer responsible for the safe, efficient and continued operation of Gas Sweetening/Drying/Export and Instrument Air. I troubleshoot day-to-day issues, and improve ongoing performance and efficiency of the asset.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I love the outdoors, nothing better to clear your head than climbing a Munro! I also love visiting new places, and learning about different people, cultures and tasting new foods!

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Challenging myself, finding new limits and succeeding along with other like-minded people.

What are you most apprehensive about?
The heat – especially after training through a Scottish winter!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
A rekindled love for running, and being a part of a fantastic network of people who would be keen to do more challenges like this in the future 

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
My job is to manage a lab team of technicians focusing on plant development and optimization projects. Our activities range from the creation of a first process concept to the support of the implementation in the production plant. As group leader I´m responsible for the team effectiveness, budget, resources and safety issues in our department.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Music, football (Dusseldorf & Munich – best combination!), cooking, snowboarding

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Push myself past my limits and comfort zones

What are you most apprehensive about?
Injuries!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
The feeling of being able to achieve everything impossible

Anything else you'd like to share?
Thanks for the organisation and this unique chance!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Upholding the 20 principles and ensuring things are being done safely, handling most of the capital management for the catalyst plant, providing process troubleshooting support, any engineering tasks that fall within my speciality (chemical engineering)

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Enjoy woodworking/other mechanical endeavours, have been playing racquetball for a couple years, very passionate about back country camping and hiking and anything outdoors.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Seeing the landscape on the Skeleton Coast and maybe seeing some wildlife if we’re lucky

What are you most apprehensive about?
I’m currently struggling with a knee injury and I’m worried that I won’t be able to train appropriately if it doesn’t heal quickly.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Gaining a new hobby is always a good thing, especially one that’s so good for you. I’ll likely continue the running and bicycling post event and start training for other events like triathlons, etc.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
As part of the TAR team I plan the I/E scope for upcoming outages. This includes planning all statutory work as well as emergent work when each event becomes closer. During the events the role involves all I/E scope and ensuring that all deadlines are met.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I used to enjoy cycling but stopped this a few years ago. I hope it is easy to pick this back up again.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
I am looking forward to the atmosphere and ensuring that everyone gets the challenge done.

What are you most apprehensive about?
The temperature, it is difficult enough running on a warm day in Scotland.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
I hope to treat Namibia like a reward from all the hard training that I will be putting in. The main aim before this is to be able to say I have completed a marathon.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I work as department head of the Quality Control lab. Next to follow-up of the daily samples that are brought in to the lab, I’m also working on some improvement projects such as the replacement of our Laboratory Information Software and the replacement of old equipment in the lab.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I like to go to the gym, run and bike. Next to this, I like spending time with friends and family; going for drinks and diner, going to the movies etc.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The whole experience. Pushing yourself in a fantastic environment.

What are you most apprehensive about?
That it will be very tough.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
To push myself further than I ever did.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I am responsible for the creation of O&P Norths reports. Furthermore I am involved to ensure the integrity of the financial results within the Olefins business.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Travelling has become an important aspect in my life as I have the aim to travel through different countries to get to know new cultures and people. Also I enjoy to try out new sport activities including Yoga. In my free time I love to meet my family and friends.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
First of all, I am very thankful for the chance to be invited to experience the Namibia spirit – including the long preparation and the challenge itself. I have never experienced such a sports event and the preparation of the different disciplines running, cycling and hiking. So I am really looking forward to push myself. Furthermore, I like to inspire and being inspired by the team building spirit.

What are you most apprehensive about?
I have never been a runner / cycle / hiker – so everything will be new for me. My aim is to train my body in a sustainable way to ensure body health.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
The human mind and body are stronger than we sometimes belief / imagine. This event is not only about the destination, it’s about the journey. It teaches about self awareness, resilience and motivation which can be used in every aspect of life – in business and private life.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I am looking forward to this unique event! Let’s spread the positive energy and build up the team spirit!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Manage procurement of raw material feeds across the Nitriles sites

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Run, Cycle, Hike, Surfing when I can
What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?

The challenge seems great, I’d like to see the cave paintings on the Brandberg

What are you most apprehensive about?
Staying injury free in the build up

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Get to the end of it

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Instrument and Electrical asset care engineer, looking after these systems and implementing improvements.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Hill walking and running.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Seeing Namibia and the physical and teamwork challenge.

What are you most apprehensive about?
Doing physical exercise in the heat of Namibia.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Enjoying the teamwork aspect of the challenge, as well as seeing an unfamiliar part of the world to me.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I work for the polymers team in Grangemouth, where we produce polypropylene and polyethylene. I’m currently focusing on various business improvement and development projects as well as the feedstock procurement for our PP plant.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Scuba diving, skiing, running, cooking & baking

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Seeing the night sky which everyone describes to be the most impressive sky they have ever seen. Pushing myself to my limits with the help of the team. I’m looking forward to the “we did it” feeling on top of the Brandberg and once we have crossed the finish line.

What are you most apprehensive about?
The heat – since I’m training in Scotland I will have limited opportunity to train in hot temperatures - and the enormous amount of physical activity on 6 consecutive days.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Improving my fitness and finding out how far I can push myself.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to wish everyone in the team success for their training! I’m super exited to be part of IN NAM ’20.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
In my role as a Civil Engineer for INEOS Oxide Zwijndrecht I am responsible for the civil part of major projects from estimate to guiding contractors and budget control. Contributing to consultations with local governments in order to align technical conditions for new projects and upgrading the asset-care of our site to increase the durability of our facilities.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Running, riding the bike, playing indoor football & skiing in the winter. When going out I just like to go to a good restaurant and enjoy some delicious food with friends & family.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
A unique experience in the middle of nowhere, pushing boundaries and experience the team spirit. Also being completely out of my comfort zone because I have never done anything similar.

What are you most apprehensive about?
Besides getting injured at Namibia I am also a bit afraid of the heat because the conditions are a lot different than in Belgium. Climbing the Brandberg will also be a big question mark because I have never done something likewise.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
The IN-NAM challenge will certainly be a life changing experience. Also the knowledge that I was able to complete an incredible challenge that most people would see as impossible just by putting a lot of effort in it.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I just want to thank the IN-NAM organisation by giving me this opportunity for this life changing experience!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I work in the Polymers technical support team working on a variety of different tasks such as projects, day-to-day monitoring, process safety, plant improvements etc.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I enjoy Crossfit, running and climbing Munros. During the summer, I compete at tug of war with my local young farmers club, at both local and national level.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
I am looking forward to getting up in the morning in the middle of the desert and having nothing else to focus on that day apart from getting myself and the rest of the team to the finish line. I am looking forward to pushing my body to its limit, and seeing how training has improved my fitness levels.

What are you most apprehensive about?
The heat! As a born and bred Scottish girl, the heat is not something I am used to, so adapting to the temperature will be one of the most challenging aspects for me.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
I am a very competitive person so I am looking forward to putting this aside and working as a team to get to the finish line. I hope to gain more confidence in myself that I can and will be able to finish the challenge.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
My day to day job at INEOS involves maintaining the process control systems applications on site in order to ensure safe, reliable and optimal plant operation. This often involves making modifications to control systems configurations to solve arising process issues or business needs. I am also responsible for control systems design and delivery on a number projects on site.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I enjoy spending time with close friends and family (having a laugh) and eating together. I love listening to Gospel music (various genres dependent on my mood but usually hip-hop contemporary with a great dance beat) and watching movies.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
I’m looking forward to visiting Namibia, seeing wonderful sites, getting to know the teammates better and most of all being strong enough to complete the challenge.

What are you most apprehensive about?
I’m most apprehensive about doing these extreme sporting events back to back daily without a proper recovery.
What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
I hope to attain a high level of sustainable fitness and the thrill of achieving a massive challenge.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I’m really grateful for the opportunity to do this!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I review the operation of the sites crude units with the aim of identifying ways of optimising them, mixing between short, medium and long term improvements.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Recently taken up running and cycling… Also enjoy keeping up with my football team and attending games when I can.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The experience as a whole and the safari.

What are you most apprehensive about?
The running.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
I’d hopefully like to keep running/cycling as a hobby.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I’m responsible for guiding the (pre-)FEED contractor in the process design of the future INEOS assets. I have to ensure that these assets are built according to the company’s operational practices and industry/governmental standards.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
My main interests are travelling and hiking, preferably in the mountains. On the other hand, I also like to be home and spend time with family and friends, in combination with a Belgian beer.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Challenging my own physical/mental boundaries and camping on top of the Brandberg Mountain.

What are you most apprehensive about?
Certainly the hot climate!

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
That I can look back to an amazing experience, which I would have never dreamt on doing before.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I wish to all the other graduates an injury free training year and hope we will all complete the challenge together!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
My job is to ensure the integrity of the financial results of the Cologne Energy Business and to support the commercial as well as asset manager in all aspects of financial and economic decision-finding.

Main tasks include management reporting, forecasting and the yearly budgeting process.
Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...

I love travelling the world and getting to know different people and different cultures. My absolute favourite sport is swimming. Otherwise I love spending time with family and friends and just enjoying life with all its good sides.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
I am sure Namibia will be an adventure of a lifetime for all of us. I am definitely most looking forward to the overwhelming surrounding we will soak up for six days and I can’t wait for all the hard work to be paid off.

What are you most apprehensive about?
Although I am looking forward to the overwhelming surrounding – at the same time I am most apprehensive about the conditions the Namibian desert brings us into: the heat, the constitution of the ground and also the mental challenge to keep on going.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
I hope to achieve the belief in myself and all the others that anyone is capable of achieving something one would have never thought you would be able to achieve.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Thanks for giving us the chance to be part of this great adventure!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Managing a portfolio of hauliers contracts, managing suppliers and negotiating prices and contract changes; working on implementing a change in culture with the Inovyn Innovation team

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Swim training, free-diving, travelling whenever I have time, music festivals

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Visiting and exploring a new country and enjoying its landscape and nature in a unique and special way; the team spirit and sharing the experience with fellow graduates; to achieve what sounds very crazy at first thought

What are you most apprehensive about?
Running and cycling in the heat after training for it in the very different climate of Northern England and doing all of that on consecutive days

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Having a unique once in a lifetime mind-changing experience that I cannot get anywhere else; pushing myself to overcome personal limits and realising they were not really limits and having that sense of achievement at the end of the challenge

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Follow up daily operations of the PP plant in Lillo, Antwerp. I am also responsible for the training program for the operators.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Football, cycling, running, swimming, skiing, …

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Running my first marathon, being sporty in an exceptional landscape

What are you most apprehensive about?
Body injuries

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Getting better physical performances. I hope I can challenge myself to do even more sporting challenges afterwards.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I want to thank INEOS that I may take part of this amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
INEOS GAS/SPEC is a chemicals business focused on the sale of formulated amines that are used in natural gas treating, refining, and other applications that require the sequestration of CO2 and/or H2S. I work almost exclusively with amine absorption systems, providing start-up, optimisation, and troubleshooting support to our customers throughout the United States and Latin America. There’s no such thing as a typical day for me, but there’s a chance you could find me at a gas plant in the deserts of west Texas, or working on a new amine design at our office near Houston.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I really enjoy playing basketball, and used to play 2-3 times a week, but have since given that up for INNAM 20 training. I also enjoy lifting weights, reading, and to my own detriment, following politics…

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The evenings. I can’t wait to be off my feet, with a cold beer in my hand, reminiscing about the day’s adventures.

What are you most apprehensive about?
Injury is the only thing that will keep me out of Namibia, so I’m taking all the precautions to make sure that doesn’t happen.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
My goal is to simultaneously improve strength and endurance throughout the training, and to build some new relationships along the way. Nothing brings people together like a good struggle!

Anything else you'd like to share?
I’m really enjoying the training process, and have already found that my lifestyle is being impacted in a positive way. I can’t wait to see how I continue to evolve as we get closer to IN-NAM 2020!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
In my job I am responsible for the gas turbine and steam turbine in the Cologne CoGen Project.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
When I am not at work I like to go rock climbing, swimming and paragliding and of course now running and cycling have become part of my frequent free time activities as well. In my holidays I like to travel to see other countries and get to know people from all over the world.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The challenge seems to be the hardest thing I have ever committed to do. Also I have not been to Namibia or even to the African continent yet, so it is going to be a lot of new experiences for me – if not of the kind you make once in a lifetime.
What are you most apprehensive about?
Getting injured while training and having to cope with the heat of the desert

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Being given the chance to participate in this challenge together with the rest of the graduates team is a great opportunity to get to know each other away from the working environment and to strengthen body and mind for future challenges. Also it is a very good driver to get fit and look after yourself and the others in the team.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Big thanks to INEOS for giving us the chance to participate!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Together with my colleagues I'm responsible for the computer network, telephone system, radio system, cameras, etc at the INEOS Oxide site in Antwerp. In addition to the daily work and interventions I participate in Telecom projects at the Oxide sites in Antwerp, Plaquemine and Hull.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Baseball, cycling, reading books, music, travelling..

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The overall experience, the beautiful nature and the sense of achievement afterwards.

What are you most apprehensive about?
Injuries during preparation and the heat in Namibia.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
I hope to increase my overall health and to complete the challenge without any injuries.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
My role is a mechanical engineer based within the Hydrocarbons export group in Grangemouth. This covers the East and West Jetties, along with the Jetty Tank Farm. Day to day I mainly cover asset maintenance works, provide technical support for the mechanical technician team, and coordinate repair works after routine inspection of plant equipment and pipework. In addition to this I support project work and plant modification improvements from a mechanical engineering discipline.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Football, running, hill walking, fishing

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Experiencing an environment I never thought I would in a country I never expected to visit.

What are you most apprehensive about?
Running in the excessive heat! As I will complete my training in Scotland I am more used to cold climates so this will be something I will have to consider when undertaking the challenge.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Overall higher level of fitness which is already improving my lifestyle through following a training program.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Excited and looking forward to the experience and challenge that lies ahead

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Weekly site economics – marginal cost of production analysis, ethane break-even, market summary, cracker economics
Production planning – feed stock appraisal/optimisation and availability setting
Economic evaluation of plant/asset planned and unplanned events/issues

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Rugby
Weightlifting
Scuba diving
DIY / property renovation

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Challenging myself
Beers on top of the Brandberg

What are you most apprehensive about?
The heat (and sunburn!)

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Completing something that I’d never thought I’d do

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
As a production engineer for Alkox, I’m the final responsible for everything that concerns my unit. I do the follow-up of daily production, starting from creation a production plan and checking raw material availability, up to the loading of finished product for delivery to the end costumer. For this is co-operate with various other disciplines within the company. Besides the daily production, I also elaborate various modifications and projects to improve my unit in terms of safety, asset care, reliability, etc. I also take part in various workgroups, such as the site-certification of ISO50001.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Having fun on two wheels (i.e. on my motorcycle, road bike and mountain bike) together with friends, as well as travelling around the world with my wife to experience different cultures and see nature’s most beautiful creations. On these trips, I prefer hiking and exploring over lazy days by the pool.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Being able to take part in this crazy once-in-a-lifetime experience, as well as to experience for myself all the amazing stories the graduates from previous years have told me. I’m also looking forward to see how far I can push my own limits (both physically and mentally).

What are you most apprehensive about?
Getting an injury that would prevent me from participating or finishing the event. Especially since I have a long history of knee & leg injuries and physiotherapy visits.
The big difference in climate between Belgium and Namibia is also something to keep in mind, since it is not something you can really prepare for.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Being able to complete the IN-NAM challenge (one that many people would deem impossible) and having the memories of an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience to look back on. Increasing my physical condition (and mind set ), and hopefully sustain it for years to come.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I hope to prove to myself (and others) that with dedication and proper preparation, nothing in life is impossible.
 

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
- Coördination maintenance of a chemical unit.
- Improvement of maintenance
- Coördination of shutdowns of a chemical unit
- Execution of small projects.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
- Badminton
- Running
- Cyclism
- Snowboard
- Hiking

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The experience, the nature, reaching goals together with the group

What are you most apprehensive about?
The endeavours in the consecutive days and the impact of it both physically and mentally

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
An unforgettable experience

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Leading a team of 4 people, I ensure the maintenance and improvement of the technical performance of the LAO unit, increasing the reliability of the installation and equipment. I also follow up daily operations of the LAO plant.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I enjoy running into the wild, cycling with friends in the south of France. I'm a really good cooker ;)

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
A certain feeling of freedom in a middle of a pure nature, some team spirit and above all a surpassing of oneself

What are you most apprehensive about?
Getting injured while training and maybe the heat !

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
To push myself further than ever, cross the finish line as a part of the IN’NAM 20 team buddy.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to thank the Team IN’Nam for the organisation and to wish everyone in the team success for their training! Let’s go !

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Part of the Technical Team on the Ethanol plant. Provide process and technical support to the asset engineers; act as nominated engineer for both short and long term projects; and oversee, update and control local documentation (P&IDs / line lists etc.). Also assist with troubleshooting asset problems and undertaking process safety related reviews and projects.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Hobbies: Football (watching and playing), Scouting and keeping fit (running, hiking, cycling etc.)
Interests: I enjoy being outdoors and travelling. Also like listening to Country music.
Special skill: I can play the bagpipes.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The once in a lifetime challenge; sharing the experience with likeminded people; experiencing the Namibian desert first hand.

What are you most apprehensive about?
The heat and how to prepare for it. The mental strength and barriers that come alongside the physical challenge. Also, the continuous endurance exercise with little rest in-between.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
I hope to complete the challenge, push myself out of my comfort zone and create unique memories.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I am Asset Engineer for the Treatments and Cat Reformer units on the Grangemouth Oil Refinery. I am responsible for ensuring static pressure equipment on this area is correctly maintained.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Weightlifting, football, DIY. I am also trying to learn how to cook!

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The physical challenge. Have never done anything like this before and certainly not in a country like Namibia, where the weather is a bit different to Scotland!

What are you most apprehensive about?
Have a few long-term injuries on my knee which make impact exercise a challenge – hopefully I’ll be able to work around this.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
To get the satisfaction from having completed such a challenging program.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I am the interface between the O&P North business and the team tasked with the delivery of Project ONE – the largest investment ever made by INEOS. My job is to ensure alignment in various commercially related topics and decisions as well as leading a number of business development opportunities. There’s plenty to do, never a dull moment!

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
When I was younger, I played handball at a half decent level; trialling for the Great Britain Olympic team and captaining Scotland. While I longer compete, I try to keep myself in half decent nick by exercising regularly, be it the odd run, spin or weights session. I love getting outdoors, so hiking and hillwalking are always a contender for weekend plans. I’m also a keen golfer although my ability certainly doesn’t reflect my enthusiasm!

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
There’s a few things I’m really looking forward to, standing atop the Brandberg will definitely be a highlight alongside that sense of accomplishment as I hopefully cross the finish line on the final day. But I’m also looking forward to getting to know some of the grads in my year a little better.

What are you most apprehensive about?
I’m confident that I can put in the hard graft and maintain a regimented training programme to ensure I’m in good condition for Namibia. What I am apprehensive about is the stuff I can’t control like injuries and cramp, especially in the desert heat. To put in hundreds of hours of training only to fall foul to cramp or injury is a real worry so I’ll be managing this as best I can with my fingers crossed.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
To do all that I can to make sure that both I and the full cohort of grads make it over the line on the final day together.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Big thanks to INEOS for this once in a lifetime opportunity!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Project Engineer supporting heater reconfiguration projects (environmental burner upgrades to reduce NOx emissions). Principal project contact for responding to technical queries and engaging with site Integrity Team and Technical Authorities for deviations / clarifications. Scheduled rotation to Asset Care Team (Oct 2019) where responsibilities will involve maintenance of refinery tankage and off-site pipelines.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I enjoy playing squash, cycling and reading.

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The opportunity to work towards a challenging physical target in an untouched African landscape.

What are you most apprehensive about?
The physical endurance required to cover the distance in the harsh desert climate. Having never run a 5k until July 2019, I’m concerned whether I can build up to the fitness level required to complete the challenge in time.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Motivation to maintain regular running and a better appreciation of my physical limits.

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I work with a project team to complete tasks in our front end loading (FEL) process. This includes scoping the project, developing solutions, vetting solutions, and writing a basis of design for an engineering firm to complete the detailed engineering work. We ensure the engineering firm follows our specifications and constructs the project in a safe manner.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Being outdoors, at the pool, sports like baseball and football, and beating friends in fantasy football

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The views and finishing with everyone

What are you most apprehensive about?
Running has never been a skill of mine.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
Increased fitness and stronger mental fortitude

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
I work in the HR department in charge of recruitment, training, our HR-IT tool (HRIS : SuccessFactors) and current HR projects.

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
I love spending time with my friends and family or cooking for them to have a nice meal together. I appreciate going out to discover new places or new restaurants. I also enjoy travelling abroad and exploring new locations and cultures 

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
The chance to push myself outside my comfort zone (physically and psychologically) in such unique surroundings. I am hoping that I can walk away from this challenge and be able to say that I gave everything I had, with the team spirit of all the Graduates and the support of the INEOS team.

What are you most apprehensive about?
The biggest challenge for me will be to maintain the pace and to recover physically day after day. As well as cycling, running and hiking in the heat and sleeping out under the stars with camping equipment.

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
This challenge has given me the motivation to train. I have never run a marathon or a bike race. When I will cross the finish line, I think it will be unbelievable. I hope to keep the motivation to continue training after it.

Anything else you'd like to share?
I just want to thank INEOS for this great opportunity. I think not everyone will get the opportunity to have such an experience and I’m sure that we will learn a lot about ourselves. Good luck to all the athletes. Let’s achieve this wonderful challenge together !!

Graduate Message:

Brief description of your day-to-day job at INEOS:
Analysing and optimising plant data; reviewing of engineering documents, organising the new plant commissioning

Your interests, hobbies (sport and otherwise!), special skills...
Cycling (road, MTB, travel), all types of outdoor activities; technical handicraft work

What are you most looking forward to about the Namibia trip?
Go through the desert with peers and master the challenge in a wonderful nature

What are you most apprehensive about?
My feet

What do you hope to achieve from the challenge?
New experiences in extreme situations