On Monday 9th September, Kayleigh Hill, an apprentice on the Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ Apprenticeship (PIPHU), set out on her biggest adventure to date – a six-month secondment to Ireland. Here she will work in a fabrication yard, using the skills she has gained as part of her journey with IACS.
Almost unrecognisable, Kayleigh is well on her way to becoming a multi-disciplined Pipeline Inspector. With Welding, MPI and Ultrasonic Testing qualifications already under her belt, she is a confident, empowered individual who is embracing every opportunity her apprenticeship presents.
Kayleigh comments:
“When I first started my apprenticeship, there is no doubt that I was more than a little nervous. I was seriously outside of my comfort zone! The thought of exams and visiting a site filled me with dread and I had no idea what I had let myself in for.”
“In reality, at the start, I didn’t know if I would make it through the first few weeks. Fast-forward 12 months and I have embraced every challenge, opportunity and task. I have developed not just my skills but as a person too.”
Exciting Times Ahead…
Kayleigh is one of nine apprentices who are 12 months into their 16-month apprenticeship. She is thriving in what many have described as a challenging curriculum that is matched equally with an ambitious timetable of onsite experience. She is demonstrating just how exciting the role of a Pipeline Inspector can be while breaking down the stereotypes that are embedded in the industry.
James Baker, Operations Manager at IACS and Head of Apprenticeships comments:
“We can’t quite believe that our first cohort is already at the 12-month mark. It’s certainly been a huge learning curve for our organisation and partners. But, the quality of the work being delivered, the pass rate of exams and the positive attitude that our apprentices have is a testament to the hard work that everyone has put into making the PIPHU apprenticeship a success.
“While there is still a lot to get through, we are proud of each and every apprentice and what they have are are achieving.
“We are also hugely grateful to our industry partners who are supporting our ambition with site access, without them our apprentices would not have achieved what they have, at such a pace.”
About Kayleigh’s Journey…
When asked about the highlights of her journey so far, Kayleigh does not hesitate when she says it’s the places, the people, and the pride.
Here she explains:
“Sites are varied and can be challenging, but each one offers something completely different that helps you to develop as an Inspector. I’m seeing places I have never seen before, and I know my work in Ireland is a taste of what I can expect when I complete my apprenticeship.
“I also know that I have developed as a person, but when your friends and your family see this too and you see the pride that they have for what you have achieved – now that’s special.
“Finally, it’s the people. Those involved in the PIPHU apprenticeship are fully committed to helping you succeed. From day one, the IACS and Hopwood Hall College teams gave me the confidence to learn and also the support I needed when things may not have gone to plan.
“On-site mentors have helped me to believe that I am capable of becoming a talented inspector and the partners that have allowed us on to their sites have been helpful, supportive and respectful.
“When it comes to the rest of the apprentices, it’s really hard to describe the unbreakable bond we have – we are definitely becoming friends for life.”
“When I started out on this apprenticeship, I said that it was challenging, that’s definitely not changed, but it’s motivating too. I’m excited to be one of just a handful of female pipeline inspectors and hope that I can encourage more females into what is a really interesting career.
“I am one hundred percent proud to be part of the IACS team and really pleased with the person I am becoming. I am exactly where I want to be.”
