International Women's Day 2024 - Apprentice of the Year Winner 2021: Melissa Chisell, AvantiGas

Thursday 7th March 2024

On this day, we hear from 'Young Person in LPG 2021' winner: Apprentice of the Year 2021, Melissa Chisell, AvantiGas

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role?

I am a Technical Engineer at AvantiGas, based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. I have been with AvantiGas for approximately 7 years and I joined the business initially as a Project Administrator then later undertook a degree apprenticeship to progress onto my current role. I have recently completed the apprenticeship and I am now continuing my studies with a focus on Process Safety. As a Technical Engineer, I spend my day to day focused on all Technical aspects of LPG storage and distribution, working with both domestic, commercial and industrial infrastructure. It is an exciting, challenging role, that allows for continuous learning and development alongside my team members.

2. What attracted you to come and work in the LPG industry?

I initially joined AvantiGas, my first role within the LPG industry, as I was looking to progress my career and the company appealed as it was clear AvantiGas focused and invested in individuals, allowing them to succeed. The LPG Industry appeared to be an exciting industry, with a varied and ever changing day to day, given the wide range of customer bases and projects LPG and RLG can be utilised for.  

3. What do you love most about your job?

Within my current role now, I love most the ever changing nature of my work and the people I work alongside.

 4. What is the most important piece of advice you have been given? What advice would you give to any young person looking to start a career in the LPG industry?

The most important advice to date I would say is to believe in yourself and your capabilities – having faith in your own ability to achieve a goal can often be the foundations needed to set the correct trajectory from the offset. In terms of advice for young persons looking to start a career, I would advise seeking a suitable apprenticeship and ensure they are involved as soon as possible in renewable initiatives as the industry drives forward the transition to green, as this will be a key focus over the years to come. 

5. What did winning a Young Person in LPG award mean to you?

Winning Apprentice of the Year award was a fantastic achievement and it was a worthwhile experience,  it was very rewarding to be recognised by my colleagues and subsequently has enabled me to continue that engagement forward, working with LGUK each year on future YPiLPG awards, which I believe is a fantastic initiative. 

6. Why should people apply or nominate a young person for the Young Person in LPG awards?

I would encourage all to nominate a young person, or apply for a YPiLPG award as it can be a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the great talent the industry has, it offers a chance to recognise and reward individuals for their hard work and it encourages engagement with LGUK for ongoing initiatives.

 7. What do you hope to achieve in the future?

In the years to come, I aim to continue my development and education wherever possible, I aim to continue to grow personally and professionally and I hope to be able to drive forward the industry as we transition to RLG and play a vital part in the transition to green for those who need us most.

8. The theme for this International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion – what does that mean to you? Do you think the LPG and RLG industry Inspires Inclusion?

Inspire Inclusion for me is a theme that celebrates and highlights the continued work ongoing around the world to inspire and empower both women, but equally all, to recognise and understand the value that women deliver and to encourage and recognise the ongoing inclusion, progressing towards a more inclusive world for women. In terms of the LPG and RLG industry, personally, I have found the industry to be very inclusive and progressive – incentives such as YPiLPG awards are one example of how the industry inspires inclusion and recognition of all talent, showcasing the fantastic individuals that work within this industry day to day.  

The trade association for the LPG and bioLPG industry in the UK