What is your name and job title?
My name is Lois Milne, and I work as an Operations Support at Pipetech. I joined the company on 1st July 2026 and now support a range of operational activities across the business.
Outline your responsibilities within your role.
My role involves supporting a wide range of operational activities across the UK & Norway businesses. My responsibilities include maintaining and updating documentation, supporting QHSE processes, coordinating travel, assisting with payroll administration, managing purchasing requirements, and providing general operational support where needed.
One of the things I enjoy most about the role is the variety it offers. No two days are the same, and I have the opportunity to work with people across different departments, which helps me build strong working relationships and gain a broader understanding of the business.
What motivated you to apply for a position at Pipetech?
I was initially approached about the opportunity by Kerri, who held the role previously. At the time, I wasn’t actively looking to change jobs; however, after meeting with Kerri and Leonard and learning more about the role and the company, I saw it as an excellent opportunity to broaden my experience and continue my professional development.
The variety of responsibilities, the opportunity to learn new skills, and Pipetech’s support for my ongoing education were key factors in my decision to join the company.
What do you study at university, and what are some valuable lessons you have learnt that you are taking into your new role?
I’m in my third year of a Business Management Graduate Apprenticeship with Robert Gordon University. Through the course, I have developed skills including management, business operations, communication, and organisational behaviour.
The most valuable skill I have gained is time management. Balancing full-time work alongside university studies has required me to be highly organised, prioritise tasks effectively, and manage competing deadlines. These skills have transferred directly to my role at Pipetech, where I’m responsible for a variety of tasks and need to adapt to changing priorities.
The course has also strengthened my problem-solving and communication skills, helping me approach challenges in a structured way and work effectively with colleagues across different areas of the business.
What is something that has surprised you in your new role?
Something I had no idea I would do in this role is the amount of problem-solving involved. I initially expected the position to focus mainly on administrative and support tasks, but I’ve quickly learned that a key part of Operations Support is identifying issues, finding practical solutions, and helping different teams work effectively together.
I didn’t realise how much the role contributes to keeping the business running efficiently. A lot of the work happens behind the scenes, and it’s been rewarding to play a part in supporting colleagues, maintaining processes, and ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly.
What skills are you hoping to develop at Pipetech, and where would you like to see you career heading in the future?
I’m hoping to develop a wider range of operational and business skills during my time at Pipetech. Being exposed to different areas of the business has already helped me build my confidence, communication skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities, and I’d like to continue developing these further. As for my future career, I’m still exploring the areas that interest me most, but I would like to continue growing within the business and eventually progress into a role with more responsibility. Completing my degree alongside gaining practical experience at Pipetech puts me in a good position to keep developing my career.
What’s your favourite part of your role so far?
My favourite part of the role so far is the variety of work involved. I enjoy that no two days are the same and that I have the opportunity to support different areas of the business. I’ve also really enjoyed working with such a dedicated and driven team.
Everyone has been welcoming and supportive, and I’ve learned a lot from the experience and expertise of my colleagues.
If you could give future apprenticeship students one piece of advice, what would it be?
The biggest piece of advice I would give future apprentices is to be open to opportunities that may not be part of your original plan. Joining Pipetech wasn’t something I had initially expected, but it has given me valuable experience, new challenges, and opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
I try to be open-minded and take every opportunity to learn. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start. Be willing to ask questions, take on new challenges, and learn from the people around you. The experience you gain in the workplace is just as valuable as what you learn at university, and both play an important role in your development.