Heather Power

Heather Power studied Level 2 Welding & Fabrication after deciding to change career from studying Outdoor Education.  After finishing her Level 2 course at College, Heather secured a Level 3 apprenticeship with M Green Fabrication.

Heather said “I decided to change courses and study at Middlesbrough College as I wanted to train and have a skilled job that would lead to a long term career. I enjoyed both the practical side and theoretical side to the course, which was made interesting by all the teachers in their different specialisms.”

After completing her apprenticeship Heather was made a permanent member of staff with QA Weldtech and stayed with the company for just over 8 years.

Heather said “I spent half my time on the shop floor as a welder and then I moved into the office to take on a technical role. The practical side of the role involved pipe welding of carbon or carbon clad to pipe itself or flange parts that were used within the oil and gas industry for wells worldwide which were positioned on the sea bed.

“When I became a Welding Technician my main job involved organising and monitoring welding, recording of results and testing the parts.

“QA Weldtech supported me in continuing my education, allowing me the time to complete a HNC and HND qualification in Welding and Fabrication, progressing to a Diploma in Technologist Level Welding with the TWI and a  BA Hons Engineering degree with The Open University.  I also completed several CSWIP qualifications.”

Heather was made redundant due to falling oil prices but was offered a job with Element Materials Technology. In her current role Heather acts as a point of contact for clients across the UK and Europe and co-ordinates the destructive testing of parts in the aerospace industry along with  3D printing.

Heather said “Even now, the underpinning knowledge I learned at Middlesbrough College is relevant and has been throughout my working life and education so far.”

Course: Level 2 Welding & Fabrication

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