A career in pipeline inspection wasn’t something that Harri Aspinall had planned.
After studying Project Management at university, he found himself unsure of his next steps – it was his mum who pointed out the ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ (PIPHU) apprenticeship. Not sure what to expect, Harri decided to take a chance – and it’s a decision that is shaping his future.
Now, as part of cohort two of the apprenticeship, he is gaining hands-on experience, building his skills and embracing the challenges that come with working in pipeline inspection.
The Journey So Far…
For Harri, the biggest learning curve has been the academic side, as he prefers hands-on and practical learning. Historically, revision wasn’t always his preference, but he has found that being on-site and physically doing the work has allowed him to absorb knowledge in a way that suits him.
He’s already gained BGAS certifications in Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) and Painting & Coating, and he’s even worked at several sites across the UK.
Harri comments on his journey:
“At first, it was nerve-wracking. I like getting stuck in and doing jobs by myself, but there’s always that worry when you start something new. Having people around me who are in the same situation has made all the difference. You know you’re not alone in this journey.”
This sense of camaraderie has been one of the most rewarding parts of the apprenticeship for Harri – it makes being away from home far less isolating.
“The travel aspect of the job excites me. I went to boarding school when I was younger, so I’m used to being away from home. But it does help to have a solid group of people around you. It makes the job that little bit easier.”
The pipeline inspector role itself brings its own challenges. Having unpredictable weather in the UK means that Harri has already experienced working in rain, snow and freezing temperatures. However, he is looking forward to the summer months when long days on site will be met with better conditions.
Looking ahead…
Although he is only midway through the PIPHU apprenticeship, Harri is already seeing the opportunities ahead. The variety of experiences, the skills he’s developing and the ability to work in different locations all reaffirm that he made the right decision.
His advice for anyone considering the apprenticeship?
“You won’t regret it!”
From taking a chance on a new career to finding his feet in a dynamic and challenging industry, Harri’s journey is just getting started.
About the Apprenticeship…
The ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ (PIPHU) apprenticeship provides a mixture of classroom-based learning at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre with practical on-site experience, which takes place over 16 months.
Each apprentice starts on a competitive salary of £28,000 per year, with opportunities to achieve performance-related incentives. Successful apprentices are offered a permanent role at IACS Ltd upon completion of the PIPHU apprenticeship.
