About Molly…
Molly Marks, from Manchester, has never been afraid of getting her hands dirty. For example, when she needed a new bathroom, she completed a plumbing course! It’s this can-do, will-do attitude that saw her embark on what she calls ‘a whole new world’ with IACS Training and Education.
Molly Marks comments:
“I have never been held back by preconceived notions about roles. I believe that if you want to do something, you should. If you find the right organisation you can be inspired to be whatever you want to be and empowered to do whatever you want to do.
“This is how the team at IACS Training and Education made me feel when I met them on my assessment day. What’s more, it’s been the same every day since I started as an apprentice on the ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ apprenticeship.”
A previous apprentice…
Molly stumbled upon the apprenticeship at the Government’s hub. Already an apprentice Emergency Medical Technician with the Ambulance Service, she felt that it was not quite right and needed a role that held a variety of opportunities. Molly also realised that she could not compromise on her love of the outdoors and wanted a position that involved working outside.
“While I enjoyed my previous apprenticeship, I wanted to be in a role that had more opportunities in the future. So, I decided to make a change. I really enjoyed how you learn, get support and qualifications and earn on an apprenticeship, so when I found the opportunity with IACS I just went for it!”
“I had no expectations when it came to my new role. I didn’t look at it and think I can’t do this because there are not many women in this type of job. I just saw the job description and thought yes, that’s me. I think that more women would be attracted to this role if they were aware of it. It’s one of the reasons why I’m keen to support International Women’s Day, we need to open up this whole opportunity, career, industry and world to more people.”
The apprenticeship…
To date, Molly has spent time on campus at Hopwood Hall College in Middleton. Known as the home of the pipeline apprentice, the team at Hopwood worked with IACS to develop and deliver the programme, which is derived from the Construction Support Technician apprenticeship standard.
Molly’s learning has initially focused on a comprehensive safety module which has included the world’s very first Ofqual registered qualification in hydrogen safety. She has also visited live sites observing welding, coating and painting.
Molly comments:
“So far so good! While I am a little nervous about the exams and study programme, which is intense, I am loving my experience. I like being on-site, I enjoy the travel and genuinely feel that the people you meet all want the best for you. We’ve become a family, all part of a crew. You get so much support, it’s also one-to-one learning on-site and that makes a huge difference.”
Asked how she feels about her apprentice, Molly states:
"Supported, encouraged and excited."
But would Molly advise others to consider a role as a pipeline inspector?
“If I can, you can! If you find a company that is willing to support you, as IACS supports me, go for it. IACS has made me feel strong about the role and opportunity and no other organisation has done that for me before. This position may not be an obvious choice for a young female like me, but it should be.”
