Sometimes our careers change and our journeys take a completely new path – that is what happened with Terry when he swapped a nine to five for a new role in pipelines.
Terry has worked on pipelines since gaining his qualifications in 2018. Today, he is a Multi-Disciplined Pipeline Inspector, working as a contractor. Terry gained his experience through IACS and has been an advocate of the business and its approach ever since.
Understanding how important experience was when starting out, Terry became integral to our apprenticeship as one of the many experts that mentored our apprentices and, more recently, our trainees.
As a mentor, Terry has become a role model for our new colleagues. In fact, we believe that the success of our learning and development programmes has been influenced by the time, patience and support that inspectors, just like Terry, have offered.
Here, we get to know Terry. We ask why he chose pipelines, find out a little more about the role of a Pipeline Inspector and why this is a career with opportunity.
Pipeline inspector & mentor
Although a Pipeline Inspector, Terry is multi-disciplined. This means that he has the qualifications and experience in various inspection techniques and methods.
His qualifications include BGAS in welding and coating inspection and PCN qualifications in Ultrasonic Testing and Magnetic Particle Testing.
His role is to inspect the quality of welds, coating on, usually on high-pressure gas pipelines and to ensure they meet the required specifications.
Adding to his credentials is the role of mentor. Supporting IACS’ ambitions to develop a new generation of pipeline inspectors, Terry has actively mentored IACS apprentices and trainees as they gained their qualifications and experience in the industry.
Moving outside of the office
Terry’s journey into pipelines was due to a career change following a serious back injury. Although a difficult decision, here Terry tells us why, on reflection, it was the right time.
“I was originally a Graphic Designer by trade. After gaining an HND, I worked for several design companies in London and Kent, on projects for companies such as Sky, HMV and Virgin. Then a serious back injury meant that I had to make some tough decisions about my future.
“The truth was, I could not sit still for long because of my back and I knew I needed to be more mobile. I had to find a career where I was on the move and out of an office environment. A friend of mine told me about this industry and I decided to go for it. This was in 2017.
“Looking back the timing could not have been better. The graphic design industry is becoming diminished, since technology has advanced and AI has been introduced. In contrast, there are great things happening in pipelines as green energy is introduced.”
A helping hand from IACS
IACS is well versed in supporting individuals that are entering the pipeline inspection industry, and Terry is a great example of this.
Terry comments:
“Once I had passed my qualifications, IACS helped me gain the necessary experience to progress,” comments Terry. “As a result, I am now a contractor and have worked on projects all over the UK.
“I have worked in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England with different clients. Last week I was on the Isle of Wight!!”
Southampton to London Heathrow
With so many projects under his belt, Terry has several career highlights including the Southampton to London Heathrow Pipeline (SLP) project.
He explains:
“Sometimes you get to spend a week on a pipeline, other times it’s longer. I would say that time, size and scale make all the difference when you are working on pipelines.
“When I worked on the Southampton to London Heathrow Pipeline (SLP) project, which was transporting aviation fuel, I was there for 18 months. It was a huge project and pipeline, with around 96km of pipe.
“It was great to work on such a large job, and to work with so many inspectors and welding crews. I can go to sites all over the UK and often bump into inspectors I met at SLP.
“I would also say that mentoring has also been a career highlight. I really enjoy training and mentoring and have recommended a few people I met at SLP, who were working in different roles, to consider a role as an apprentice inspector with IACS.
“IACS now has around four inspectors I introduced to inspection, working for them.”
West Ham season ticket anyone?
Never ones to shy away from asking the tough questions, we invited Terry to share his thoughts on the most difficult parts of this role. It will be no surprise to hear that being away from his family and home is tough. What you may not have expected is his regret at having to give up his West Ham season ticket. He explained that although some would say this is a blessing, he misses it!
All joking aside, Terry highlighted that this role takes you away from home and it is something that everyone considering a career in pipelines should fully understand.
Communication, communication, communication
As a mentor and trainer, Terry knows only too well what type of characteristics make a difference in this career, he explains:
“You need to be able to “get on” with people. From your welding crew to the Project Manager to the client. There are lots of people on a site and it always helps if you can communicate well. For me, this is without doubt a major factor that will either make or break your career in pipelines.
“You’re not always going to agree on things and your job as an inspector means you must highlight certain things, but you need to be able to do this in a good way. You need an eye for detail and to be reliable.”
It’s a good career
Now, we know why we love pipeline inspection, but what about Terry?
“I enjoy seeing different parts of the country, working with different people, and doing a good job.
“It’s a good career. It is not something I thought I would ever be doing but I have learnt lots. In my case, it got me back on my feet financially and literally after a difficult couple of years.”
You have a choice!
“Some people are keen to progress into management roles and senior positions. I prefer the day-to-day inspection. I like managing myself and doing the job I’m doing now. The good thing about the job is that there is a choice and you can take whatever path you want to.”
Hydrogen
Having choice in a vibrant industry is exciting, but what are the real opportunities and threats that also need to be considered?
“I would say that the biggest threats facing our industry is the need to evolve and change with the times. We need to embrace some of the new technology and ideas being discussed and we need new people. We must be able to meet the demand for inspectors.
“On the flip side, the development of hydrogen to power the network moving forward is significant. There are several projects planned where natural gas will be blended with hydrogen through existing pipework. This could be huge for the industry and the UK in general.
You will love it
IACS is on a mission to support a new generation of Pipeline Inspectors and is working hard to attract new people. As advocates, we could not miss the opportunity to use Terry’s own journey and honest insight to inform and inspire.
“If you are considering a career as a Pipeline Inspector, make sure you know what you’re getting into. If you want a 9-5 office job round the corner from home, this is not for you. If you can embrace the outdoors and be away from home regularly, you will love it. You meet and work with some great characters. The other important thing is to contact IACS!”
And his final piece of advice…
“Be flexible and be ready to adapt to the demands of the job. One day you could be in Glasgow, the next in Birmingham!”
