Westcon invests in its first TIG welding apprentice, Thirza

Thirza van Dijken (19) started as an apprentice at Westcon on September 1, 2025, making history as our very first TIG welding apprentice in the subsea hall. After a placement at the yard, Thirza got the chance to show her skills. She delivered an impressive TIG welding test, and within just a few weeks, she passed her first X-ray-controlled weld, a clear sign of talent and determination.

‍Why TIG welding?
- I didn’t even know TIG welding existed until about a year ago. When I tried it at school, I thought it was fun and wanted to learn more. It requires patience and precision, and I like that, says Thirza. She describes TIG as more challenging than MIG welding, which makes the craft exciting.

From the cutting hall to subsea
During her VG2 placement, Thirza worked in the cutting hall at Westcon. When she told Operation Manager Vidar Brandsøy about her interest in TIG welding, a brand-new apprenticeship position was created just for TIG.
- I didn’t know much about Westcon before a friend mentioned it. Now I’m glad I took the chance. I’ve had many different work experiences, and the environment here is especially good, she says.
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Life as an apprentice
‍Her days are varied: setting up rigs and safety gear, welding, cleaning up, and tackling new challenges. Favorite task?
- Practicing the root pass—the bottom layer on pipes. It’s fun to switch between different positions and angles. TIG welding requires control over gas, temperature, amperage, and details like tungsten length. -- A tiny movement can completely change the result, she explains.

‍Motivation and mastery
‍Within the first weeks, Thirza passed an X-ray weld, which gave her a big boost. Now she’s working toward her welding certificate, a test she’ll take this week.

‍The road ahead
Thirza plans to earn her TIG welding trade certificate in 2027. She’s considering a second certificate in pipe welding and hopes to stay at Westcon:
- If the environment stays as good as it is now, I’d love to stay. People here get things done, and that matters. Maybe I’ll aim for a higher position later.

What makes Westcon special?
‍- The environment! People are friendly and helpful. I’ve worked in several places, but Westcon is the best company I’ve been at, says Thirza.

Thirza’s advice to others:
- If you’re interested in TIG welding, try it! It takes time to learn, but it only gets more fun. Don’t give up if it doesn’t work the first time.

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