Maths was Cole’s favourite subject at school, but the numbers just didn’t add up when he embarked on his level three accountancy apprenticeship.
While he enjoyed the way of learning, the office environment and the limited progression plan just weren’t for him! So, Cole set out to find an apprenticeship that suited him.
Cole explained:
Cole’s criteria was specific. He wanted a role that was different. While he was desperate to try something new, it had to feed into his analytical mindset. Being outdoors and earning a good wage were non-negotiables, alongside a timely transition to being qualified.
Ticking all his boxes was the IACS Apprenticeship; he joined cohort two of the ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ (PIPHU) programme in February 2024.
“I chose the IACS apprenticeship because it was different,” commented Cole.
As part of the PIPHU programme, each apprentice progresses through several inspection tickets, this includes welding inspection, coating inspection, magnetic particle inspection, and ultrasonic testing.
Cole explains:
So, with such a positive experience, would he recommend the role and apprenticeship and what advice would an almost qualified Cole give?
Cole adds:
About the apprenticeship…
The ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ (PIPHU) programme is derived from the Construction Support Technician apprenticeship standard. It provides a mixture of classroom-based learning at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre with practical on-site experience.
Each apprentice starts on a competitive salary, with opportunities to achieve performance-related incentives. Successful apprentices are offered a permanent role at IACS Ltd upon completion of the PIPHU apprenticeship.
