About Alex…
Alex Brownley is no stranger to pipelines and has valuable experience in the field, which is why he applied for the ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ (PIPHU) apprenticeship. Alex immediately recognised just how unique an opportunity this 16-month programme, with IACS Training & Education and IACS Ltd, is!
Alex comments:
"Before starting the apprenticeship with IACS, I was working as a pipefitter where I was completing contracts for various companies. But, something was missing and I knew I wanted to progress and develop my skills.
"I was already aware of pipeline inspectors and the more I found out about their role, the more attracted I was to the benefits and career opportunities that came with it. But, it is a difficult profession to step into - until I found the apprenticeship offered by IACS."
A need for tickets…
Through the IACS PIPHU apprenticeship, each apprentice works towards achieving tickets in Painting and Coating Inspection, MPI, Phased Array and Welding and also benefits from a hydrogen safety qualification and onsite experience, which are vital if you want to work on a site or facility and develop a career within Pipeline Inspection.
Alex explains:
“In this industry, hands-on experience is so important and ‘tickets’ are hard to come by. So, being able to complete multiple tickets through the apprenticeship is what makes it special; add hydrogen and onsite experience to this and you realise just how valuable this programme is.
“Passing these tickets is a top priority for me, but isn’t the only thing that attracted me to IACS, I get to meet lots of new people and potentially travel to different places. This is just what I needed!”
With the support of a team…
With ambitions of becoming a Senior Pipeline Inspector (SPI), Alex knows the road ahead won’t be easy. The PIPHU apprenticeship requires hard work and lots of study. However, apprentices benefit from a robust network of support. Whether onsite, in the classroom or linked to personal well-being, colleagues from Hopwood Hall College, IACS Ltd and IACS T&E are on hand to offer their help and guidance.
Alex adds:
"While I'm not the biggest fan of sitting exams, I know how important they are in helping me reach my goals. Giving them my best efforts is all I can do and hopefully, I'll achieve the results I need.
"The support from the team and the other apprentices has been great, they've helped me right from the beginning. I'm excited for what's to come!"
About the apprenticeship…
The ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ apprenticeship is a 16-month long programme, blending classroom learning at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre with hands-on site experience.
Apprentices start with a basic salary of £28,000 per year, with the potential for performance-related incentives upon completing certifications from The Welding Institute (TWI). Successful apprentices are guaranteed a permanent position at IACS Ltd upon completion of the apprenticeship.
Alex comments:
“Being a part of this apprenticeship means a great deal to me. Not only because of the many different avenues I can go down once I am qualified but also because of the different places it will take me. I am already looking forward to getting my first inspection job and being able to put my newly obtained knowledge and skills to work!”