AIS Training helps Vicky’s bid to become world’s first female offshore scaffolder

Posted on 14 February 2019

Female oil and gas workers are a rare breed, with female scaffolders even scarcer, but Vicky Welch is hoping to become both with the help of AIS Training.

North Shields-born Vicky, aged 29, is currently a freelance, fully-qualified Part 2 scaffolder working for Consice Scaffold Solutions on major projects in London like King’s Cross refurbishment, Canary Wharf’s Crossrail and the Pall Mall Deposit Building. One of only six other qualified female scaffolders in the UK, Vicky has now set her sights on an offshore career.

Scaffolding skills are much in-demand offshore and, with more than seven years’ experience in the construction sector, Vicky is hopeful of securing a job. She has just passed all of her mandatory offshore training at AIS Training’s 20-acre-flagship training village in Newcastle, including combined BOSIET and MIST.

Vicky said: “I’ve always wanted to go offshore but to be honest the water aspect of the training scared me. I couldn’t bear of thought of being submerged underwater upside down. Now I’ve finally come to terms with this fear I’m determined to get all my certs. The idea of working offshore really appeals. As well as better pay rates, the lifestyle is perfect for me as I’m used to working away from home and I’m attracted by the strict health and safety regime.