NDT Apprenticeships have been developed by BINDT in co-operation with a group of employers in the NDT industry to address the ageing profile of NDT technicians. It encourages employers to take on new staff at reduced training costs and will enable school leavers to embark on a worthwhile career in NDT.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Operator Apprenticeship
This is a Level 2 Apprenticeship, typically achieved in around 18 months. Apprentices are required to achieve industry recognised NDT Level 2 certification in one method in accordance with national and international standards.
An NDT Operator will usually work as part of an inspection team or department performing NDT inspections to pre-defined NDT Work Instructions and reporting his/her findings through the employer’s Quality Management System processes. Their findings will be subject to review and authorisation by suitably qualified and experienced supervisory staff, such as NDT Engineering Technicians, to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable.
The skill set and depth of proficiency retained by the NDT Operator, whilst singularly focused on one NDT method, are nevertheless transferable across all engineering sectors.
Skills training UK information
BINDT Information
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
This is a Level 3 Apprenticeship, typically achieved in around 36 months. Apprentices are required to achieve industry-recognised NDT Level 2 certification in three methods in accordance with national and international standards, including one complex method.
The role of an NDT Engineering Technician will usually involve technical supervisory responsibility of NDT Operators and other junior staff within the organisation. They will oversee, validate and audit by reinspection the work of NDT Operators, and manage projects and specific areas of work.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Engineering Apprenticeship
This is a Level 6 apprenticeship (degree-level qualification), typically achieved in around 4 years (although this can vary depending on the experience of the individual).
This Apprenticeship is suitable for project managers who are responsible for the planning, operation and oversight of NDT procedures; or senior NDT practitioners across large and SME employers from all associated industries, including: aerospace, nuclear, automotive, engineering, motorsport, power generation and distribution, manufacturing, railways, oil and gas (on-and offshore).
On completion of the Apprenticeship, the NDT Engineer will hold a BSc Non-Destructive Testing degree. This degree is closely linked to the personal certificate of Non-Destructive Testing (PCN) through the British Institute of NDT (BINDT).
