Q: Can you describe a typical workday for you as an NDT tech?
A: Reviewing and approval of NDT data cards and procedures. Actioning audits, and executing performance reviews.
Q: Where do you typically perform your role?
A: Various locations throughout the UK. Split 30/70 from office based to factory on-site locations.
Q: What type of equipment do you use?
A: No processing involved. In general, my laptop and mobile phone are used constantly throughout the working day.
Q: What skills are needed?
Quality driven, attention to detail, ability to seek alternative understanding if requirements, don’t assume anything!
Q: How do you stay updated?
I receive NDT News every month. I am registered on NDT.NET. This is a forum for NDT personnel. Working with various clients gives me an insight into the different ways in which NDT can be applied in numerous ways to achieve a specific standard.
Q: How often do you work alone?
95% of the time I am on the road by myself.
Q: What types of materials or structures do you most often test?
A: Metallic aerospace components. Occasionally composite structures.
Q: Which NDT methods do you use the most?
A: Magnetic Particle Testing, Penetrant Testing and Ultrasonic Testing.
Q: What are some common challenges you face during your inspections?
A: My role is aligned more towards before and after the inspection. Ensuring the correct acceptance is applied. Ensuring the component(s) are inspected as intended by the design authority.
Q: Who do you collaborate with most?
My Outside Agency colleagues. I also have numerous contacts throughout the Aerospace industry.
Q: What do you enjoy the most?
Knowing I have contributed to making something safer for the use of the general public.
Q: What do you find less enjoyable?
Q: Some attitudes towards NDT. Sometimes viewed as a necessary evil. Due to where NDT is positioned within the manufacturing sequence of components, can be perceived as a bottleneck, but previously applied operations are not considered and/or viewed in the same light.
Q: How do you handle unexpected issues or complications during testing?
A: I have a great team around me. I have made many contacts over the years who I can go to when I am unsure of certain requirements.
Q: Can you share an example of a challenging project and how you overcame it?
A: Taking over as Level 3 from an in-service aerospace company. I helped to raise the standards of all the NDT personnel working there; Created new procedures which were easier for the Level 2 technicians to understand.
Q: How has your role as an NDT technician evolved since you started?
A: I started as a 17 year old apprentice. I was a Level 2 technician for 13 years. I have been a Level 3 consultant for longer than this now.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your career?
A: Passing my ASNT Level 3 exams the first time round was a massive achievement for me. I put a lot of hard work into those exams, and to sit all of them consecutively and pass was a very rewarding moment for me.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering a career as a NDT Tech?
A: There is always demand for NDT, so it is one of those careers you could possibly stay in for the whole of your working life.