About Mahdi…
Despite a trade in civil engineering, a master’s degree in Construction Project Management and site manager roles in construction, Mahdi Lorchi strived for more! He was looking for a career that was in tune with his strengths.
Mahdi had learnt that he thrived in environments that demanded accuracy, attention to detail, and high standards. But, with 13 years in education and industry, he also knew that learning a new trade had to be matched with on-the-job, real-life experience. Together, this was hard to find.
Mahdi found the answer on the government’s apprenticeship hub, when he discovered a pioneering programme, the ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ (PIPHU).
Mahdi comments:
“My life before IACS was spent on construction sites and in education.
“In 2022, when I completed my masters in the UK following several years of working in construction, I spent some time in property management. But, I needed more, and I wanted to find a role that matched my skills – I found this with IACS.”
Mahdi’s time on the apprenticeship…
Mahdi joined the IACS apprenticeship, which was derived from the Construction Support Technician standard, in February 2024. Part of the second cohort, he started with 12 other apprentices. Each apprentice had different levels of skills and life experiences; alongside the support from the IACS team, it was this that supported Mahdi’s journey.
Mahdi explains:
“The members of our apprenticeship were all very different, but we bonded over our shared ambition. It was a very busy schedule, which was tough at times and particularly challenging for me as English is my second language.
“But my strengths were in my knowledge and experience. So, we helped each other throughout; it was teamwork.
“My learning in skills, language and confidence was also helped by being on site and having mentors. You can learn in the classroom, but being on site makes a big difference as you meet with the types of people that you will work alongside once you have qualified.
“This is where I understood what characteristics are needed for this role and, importantly, where this matched my own skill set.”
Mahdi adds:
“Being a pipeline inspector requires accuracy. You must understand why standards are critical and know what you need to do to maintain them. In my opinion, the most important and demanding aspect of this role is decision-making, especially when your decisions have such a big impact on people and projects.”
With two final tickets underway, Mahdi has achieved a great deal professionally and personally during his apprenticeship.
“This apprenticeship met my expectations in many ways. What I did not expect was how important the support network would be. The help that we have given each other as a cohort and the backing of the IACS team have been incredible, even during the lows.
“I like that this job is something I am really passionate about and that this journey has been so much more than learning a new skill.”
About the apprenticeship…
The ‘Practitioner in Pipelines for Hydrogen and Utilities’ (PIPHU) programme 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.
