Pipeline inspection wasn’t always on the cards for Jennifer Scott.
With a background in ceramics and silversmithing, Jennifer’s journey to the pipeline industry has been anything but ordinary. She’s worked in the NHS, travelled around Australia for three years, and she’s even worked as a delivery driver. But it was a job fair in Anfield that changed her career path.
Jennifer comments:
“I was walking around the fair seeing the same opportunities that always seem to crop up - either join the Navy, RAF or go into teaching. But I was looking for something different. That’s when I noticed a crowd around a stand called IACS. I went to check it out and got chatting with a member of the team.
“I might not have known much about pipeline inspection at the time, but I did after speaking to Jerome. IACS had got my interest and importantly for me, the role felt just right.”
Jennifer applied for the ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ (PIPHU) programme in February and by September 2023 she had officially joined cohort one.
Stepping Into the Unknown…
Jennifer admits she had no preconceptions about the role, but as one of the few women in the industry, she recognises the value of representation. She comments:
“Everyone at IACS has been so welcoming and supportive right from day one. It’s a great feeling to be part of a programme where I can hopefully inspire more women to consider careers in this industry. There’s no reason why pipeline inspection shouldn’t be seen as a path for everyone.”
With qualifications already under her belt in welding inspection, UT and MPI, and having recently completed her coating exam, Jennifer is nearing the end of her apprenticeship and is well on her way to building a strong career in the field.
Challenges and Support…
One of the standout elements of Jennifer’s journey has been the support she’s received for her dyslexia, here she explains:
“I’m very open about my dyslexia. Throughout the programme, IACS, Hopwood Hall College and all partners have been fantastic. They have made sure that support is in place – whether that’s a quiet room to study, extra time during exams or mentoring – they really do what they can to help you succeed.
“To add to this, I’ve found that confidence is also the key to success in this role. You’ve got to be particular, confident with confrontation and have a good eye for detail. The more you do it, the easier it gets.”
Looking Ahead…
Jennifer sees the PIPHU apprenticeship as more than just a training programme.
“I don’t see it as an apprenticeship, but a gateway into a new career with IACS within an exciting industry! They pay for your training, sort your travel and arrange your van – they take care of everything!
“If you’re considering it, just do it. Especially if you’re just starting out. It’s better to get started early and build your career from there.”
Acknowledging the fact that women may be put off by the idea of the role being too physical or ‘dirty’, she quickly de-stigmatises this by saying:
“It’s really not that physically challenging and it’s not a gender-specific role at all. You can absolutely do it – and be great at it!”
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.
Successful apprentices are offered a permanent role at IACS Ltd upon completion of the PIPHU apprenticeship.
