While there is a range of engineering courses at Australian universities, there are no formal courses providing specific training for pipeline engineering. APIA plans to bridge that gap with a new initiative that will help engineers take that extra step – or several steps – towards demonstrating competency and accreditation as pipeline engineers. Training providers and employers of engineers will also be interested in this initiative.
While, in the first instance, the training and education courses to be provided will not be university-recognised, they will be endorsed by senior members of the pipeline industry and have an APIA stamp of approval. We expect that, over time (hopefully a brief period of time), there will be enough interest in and respect for the range of courses to warrant involvement of one or more of Australia’s universities so that a more formalised accreditation can be achieved.
APIA does not intend to become an education and training institution. Your Association will, nevertheless, establish a program with a range of courses covering the subjects that are important to pipeline engineering. APIA members (and possibly non-members) would be able to develop and offer the training courses. APIA would assess the courses to ensure they meet the high standards required of our members. Participants in the courses would pay each particular trainer for each course. This means that member companies involved in specific areas of expertise that might want to expand into a training role, or companies that provide training, can participate in the initiative.
The program will provide a range of courses that can be undertaken separately. The courses will involve theoretical classroom training and requirements for practical application in practice will also be defined – the proportion depending upon the particular skills required. The framework and program is in its first draft, but it is envisaged that the courses will be grouped into three main areas: general knowledge; design and construction; and operations and maintenance. The courses currently being proposed cover the following range of topics:
As mentioned, the courses developed by training service providers will be assessed by APIA to ensure that they meet the requirements of our members. Individuals who have taken the courses and completed the required practical application requirements, if successful, will be awarded APIA accreditation, which will be recognised throughout the Australian pipeline industry. The assessment panel will be chaired by former APIA board member and industry stalwart, Max Kimber, and comprise a number of experienced, highly respected pipeline engineering members of the industry.
A detailed paper prepared by Ted Metcalfe and Ed Gaykema and covering all aspects of the program can be accessed on the members-only section of the APIA website or by contacting the APIA office.
An important input that will be needed for this program to be successful is students! Indications so far are that employers of engineers are interested in encouraging those engineers to upgrade their skills, or undertake accelerated learning in pipeline engineering. It will involve payment (to the trainer service providers) for the courses as well as covering the time and expenses involved in having employees undertake the course and complete all practical application requirements. It should also be noted that this program is for professional development of pipeline engineers and can be seen as a step beyond vocational skills training.
As mentioned above, there are formal university courses provided by institutions in Canada, the Netherlands, Italy and the UK and there are some technical short courses already provided by some members for new employees. This new initiative will introduce a fully operational APIA-accredited pipeline engineer training program, which will bring all available training in Australia under one umbrella, providing high-quality skills and improving knowledge in this great industry.
APIA members can have their say in further developing this initiative. We are planning to hold a discussion forum on Monday 11 February 2008, at which those with an interest in the initiative can actively participate in further development. The forum will be held in either Melbourne or Canberra – stay tuned for details. In the meantime, any feedback is welcome – just contact the APIA Secretariat with your opinions and suggestions.
This initiative could not have come this far without the dedication and commitment of Ted Metcalfe and Ed Gaykema. I would also like to thank Max Kimber for agreeing to chair the assessment panel, as well as the other members of APIA who have helped to get the initiative underway, including: Craig Bonar, Bob Allison, Peter Tuft, Phil Venton, Roger Kilby, Steve Dykes, Chris Yoxall and Craig Connor.
1. General Knowledge
General Introduction to the Industry
Thermodynamics (and its application to pipelines)
Risk Assessment and Safety
Corrosion Control
Hydrotest, Commissioning, and Preparation for Operation
Route Engineering and Easement Management
Environment
Instruments and Controls
Pipeline Equipment
Pipeline Compressors
Gas Measurement
Pipe Materials and Welding
Commercial Aspects
2. Design and Construction Knowledge
Introduction to AS2885 Part 1
Design of Onshore Pipelines and Stations
Construction Engineering and Management
Pipeline Project Management
Design of Offshore Pipelines
AS2885 Part 2 – Welding
Cost estimating and contracting methodology
3. Operations and Maintenance Knowledge
Introduction to AS2885 Part 3
Safety (Case)/Operating Plans
Pipeline Structural Integrity
Pipeline Operation
Asset Management
Pipeline Repairs