Sectors

For those with greater ambitions, a good school certificate in those subjects (english, math's and physics) can open up a wide range of opportunities for all who wish to get into this scientific vocation.

Engineering Medical Crime Fighting Safety

Engineering

The wide range of engineering sectors have a greater or lesser involvement with NDT

This includes sectors such as aerospace, power, leisure, nuclear, oil, gas, mining, defence to mention just a few.

Here are some specific examples; in the leisure industry, the testing of the structures holding those high speed rides; in the power industry – every one of those wind turbines; in the aerospace industry – almost every component in a jet engine; bridges; pipelines; ships; racing cars and so on.

Medical

NDT is, of course, used in the medical profession

The technician who X-rays your leg; the MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an NDT technique and of course the Ultrasonic Imaging of the unborn child. Thermal imaging is increasingly used at the border to scan peoples temperature. NDT is being used more and more in the arts to interrogate paintings to identify their origin; sculptures-looking for corrosion or to look inside Egyptian mummies whilst not disturbing their coverings.

Crime Fighting

NDT is also being increasingly used to fight crime

For example, Eddy Current Testing can be used to identify counterfeit coins and imaging cameras are widely used in security at airports.

Safety

In its most simple aim NDT is used to keep people safe by ensuring that these everyday structures we take for granted will not fail

As well as its everyday use of NDT inspection techniques in a wide range of areas, there is also a great deal of research and development taking place in the UK universities and in those around the world. Of course, each of these activities requires differing levels of knowledge and application.

Career Development

Structured career progression in NDT centered around training, experience, and PCN certification

Entry Routes

Apprenticeships

BINDT acts as the End-Point Assessor for NDT apprenticeships.

Transition

Professionals from welding, manufacturing or engineering.

Education

Material science, physics, or engineering (BTEC/degree).

Qualification & Certification (PCN System)

Supervisor

  • High-level authority
  • Supervise inspection work
  • Safety management
  • Reporting
  • Planning and coordination

Level 2 Operator

  • Perform NDT examinations and evaluate results
  • Calibrate equipment
  • Reporting
  • Supervision of personnel
  • Safety and compliance

Certifications

  • PCN ISO9712
  • EN4179

Transferrable Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Technical knowledge

Sector Specialisation

  • Aerospace
  • Oil & Gas
  • Associate (AMinstNDT)
  • Engineering Council
  • Member (MinstNDT)
  • Professional Development
  • Fellow (FinstNDT)

BINDT Membership Progression

  • BINDT webinars
  • Early careers branch
  • Affiliate (ABINDT)
  • Associate (AMinstNDT)
  • Engineering Council
  • Member (MinstNDT)
  • Professional Development
  • Fellow (FinstNDT)

Opportunities

In general NDT personnel meet the industry standards for NDT Level 1 (Basic), NDT Level 2 and aspire to NDT Level 3.

Alongside this, societies such as the British Institute of NDT (BINDT) can provide registration with the Engineering Council to Engineering Technician (EngTech); Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or ultimately Chartered Engineer (CEng). Many of these societies will also have a route for companies and individuals to get involved with NDT opportunities.

Should you be so enthused, there are opportunities available at various UK universities to follow a Foundation Degree in NDT, a BSc in NDT and an EngDoc.

So, depending on your enthusiasm, your passion and your inspiration, NDT has a wide range of opportunities for those of you who wish to consider it as not just a job – but a real career with an exciting future.