On 3 June 2010, the Western Australian Young Pipeliners Forum (YPF) departed on a full day field visit, viewing a range of pipeline related processes, from ‘live’ welding demonstrations to polymer pipe manufacture, pigging and surveying.

At the first venue, the young pipeliners received a demonstration of Warren King and Co new 3D laser scanner, capable of scanning entire 3D environments with millimetre accuracy. Laser Scanning Manager Geoff Warren impressed the crowd with a demonstration of all the post-processing options available for the data, such as clash detection, photographic overlay, piping detection and plotting detailed elevations and plans of the work area.

The young pipeliners then moved on to the next site, Your DIY Spot, a weld training centre and ‘workshop for rent’ that is available to the general public. Workshop Manager Colin Salt and his team gave a live demonstration on various welding processes such as Stick Arc Welding, MIG welding and TIG welding, along with welding different materials.

Next, the YPF split into two groups to tour the facilities of Polymer Fusion Technology (PFT’s) and Kingston Bridge Engineering (KBE). PFT is a training and testing centre for polyethylene (PE) pipework fabrication and the group was given a hands-on demonstration of PE butt welding, a description of various quality assurance processes, shown samples of pipe that had failed in the field and the result of some destructive tests.

KBE is Australia’s largest single facility for manufacturing PE pipe and fittings and is also only one of two workshops in the world that can fabricate PE pipe up to 2 m in diameter. The group was shown the fabrication process and was lucky enough to see massive 1.8 meter diameter pipework in production.

After lunch, provided by Rosen, Neil Pain, Michelle Livesey and Harry Nomikoudis demonstrated Rosen’s pigging and inspection capabilities, including gauge plate interpretation, cleaning pigs, intelligent pigs, data interpretation and a very informative video showing how pigging is completed in the field.

The final site visit was to XLT Industrial Training, where it was planned for the group to see an underwater welding demonstration. Unfortunately the instructor had been called out to site, so instead XLT provided refreshments, and a very entertaining talk on its experiences in the pipeline and construction industries.

The WA APIA YPF would like to thank XLT Industrial Training and KD.1 Pty Ltd for providing the bus and driver for the day. Also a big thank you goes to Warren King and Company for morning tea, Rosen for lunch and to all of the companies, staff and venues that volunteered their time.

WA YPF mentoring session

Without formal mentoring programs, a new job or career path can be daunting and overwhelming for younger people in the industry. To address the issue and as part of a national initiative, APIA joined forces with the WA YPF to provide a formal mentoring session during the annual Perth Seminar. The aim of this session was to bring together the ‘oldies’ and the ‘youngies’ to help establish relationships, foster

professional development and encourage knowledge sharing amongst the pipeline industry.

Six industry experts – Peter Cox, Mark Cooper, Cheryl Cartwright, Kevin Lester, Alan Pugh and Murray Durham – sat on the panel and questions were asked both from the audience and from other young pipeliners who weren’t able to attend. The main topics surrounded advice on kick-starting or advancing careers, and how to make the most out of a mentoring relationship.

One young pipeliner asked “When considering career moves, should young pipeliners today try to broaden their experience or become specialised in a particular area?” The panel noted that the industry is requiring more and more specialist engineers to solve specific difficulties, however both types of skill sets are required so individuals should do what they enjoy most.

Most of the panel highlighted the benefit of establishing mentors outside the pipeline industry. In one case, a panel member noted a painter with an ‘inquisitive mind’ provided invaluable advice from a different point of view. Another example was an executive coach, an independent professional that provides advice and encouragement in a confidential environment.

Feedback from the event revealed that the young pipeliners found the panel very informative, and have requested more time and a more informal setting for the next mentoring session.