From a young age, Riaan Snyman has shown how commitment and a good work ethic can open doors – it’s an attitude that has helped him to secure a role with IACS, while also progressing through an ambitious pipeline inspector training programme.
Impressed by Riaan’s approach, commitment and reliability, IACS has supported Riaan through coating, MPI and welding qualifications – which he has successfully completed in just 18 months.
Currently working in Ireland and preparing for his Ultrasonic Testing (UT) qualification, Riaan tells us more about his journey into pipelines and the role of a pipeline inspector.
Starting his career as a teenager in South Africa, Riaan took on bar jobs before progressing to Floor Manager of a restaurant with more than 300 covers. An opportunity to train with the Military Police saw Riaan embark on a completely new career within the close protection services, which he enjoyed for two years before furthering his experience in the UK.
Moving to central London, Riaan worked for an oil company for 15 years as safety and security liaison. Responsible for a team of 12, he would work long hours. The role was demanding and when COVID hit, it gave him time to reflect and to think about his work life balance.
A move to the NHS saw Riaan change direction. As a Logistics and Operations Manager, he worked for the Frances Crick Institute in the partial vaccinations centre. When COVID restrictions were lifted, he moved back into security, working for the National Science Museum and National History Museum as a security liaison.
It was then that Riaan moved into construction. Despite having no experience or training whatsoever, he found a job as a tunneller on the London Underground. Now in his late-30’s, the work was physically exhausting but well paid.
Riaan comments: “I’ve always been one to persevere, knowing that commitment, determination and the right work ethic will always resonate with employers, whatever the industry or sector.
“When I was working on the London Underground it was well paid but tough. There was no space for laziness or shortcuts. With my background, and the many experiences that I had, I found myself questioning the next step”.
Riaan soon found out that the role of Pipeline Inspector is anything but glamorous. Working in all-weather conditions, it can be wet, windy and muddy. He says that despite this, having the right attitude is essential if you want to succeed.
Riaan comments: “A lot of the job depends on you getting on with clients. It’s remembering that you have two ears and one mouth. Attention to detail and quality is essential in this line of work. There is no margin for error. You can get things wrong, but learn from those mistakes, and get it right next time.
“There are no shortcuts as a Pipeline Inspector. There may be faster ways of doing something, but if it compromises safety, it’s simply not worth it. The responsibility for the security of those pipes lies with us.”
During his 18 months with IACS, Riaan has had access to many above ground instillations (AGI’s) including gas terminals, spool base, steel mill and more, giving him the practical experience he needs to put the theory into practice and progress through his qualification.
Completing coating, MPI and welding, Riaan is now studying for his Ultrasonic Testing qualification, which he will take in January. Having turned his spare room into a study, he is now concentrating on the academic side of his work.
He comments: “I have never, ever studied so hard in my life. My walls are covered in posters of pipelines. I even dream about welding! As I see it, it’s just another example of how committed I am to the role and what I want to achieve.
“It’s not always easy, but then nothing worth having ever is. In my mind, anything that makes you comfortable isn’t pushing you hard enough. It’s not good for you. I want to test myself and to see how far I can extend my knowledge.
“Studying may be challenging at times, but it will lead to me having qualifications that I can look back on and say ‘I did that. I achieved that. It was as a result of my hard work’. You can’t take that away from someone.”
In the future, once he has passed all his exams, Riaan has mentioned that he will look into the role of a Senior Pipeline Inspector. Although he understands that this ambition comes with more hard work and at least five years’ experience in the role, he knows that it also brings opportunity and the chance to travel the world.
While the path may not have been straightforward, the experiences that Riaan has had have all led him to the role that he is in today.
Riaan concludes: “For those considering a career as a Pipeline Inspector, I would say know that it’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it. Weigh up the risks and think carefully about what you want to achieve and what compromises you are going to make in order to get there.
“The right work ethic is essential for this job and with support from the IACS team, you will have the best chance of reaching your potential. With that comes the chance to earn good money and to travel the world. Now that’s exciting!”