Q: Can you describe a typical workday for you as an NDT tech?

A: Generally answering emails regarding certification, exams, technical queries, procedure enquiries or training, then conducting audits, exams, training, performance reviews, procedure updates, or technical queries.

Q: Where do you typically perform your role?

A: Either in our new office at AMP Rotherham, or onsite, which can range from factories to labs.

Q: What type of equipment do you use?

A: My main tool these days is my laptop, as the consultancy services that we provide doesn’t require such a hands on approach, but I do need to know and understand how the equipment being used by technicians works.

What skills are needed?

Technical knowledge that is gained through having done the job, an ability to solve problems, being proactive, decision making, time management, honesty, patience, a thick skin and empathy. Also need to be a good listener and take my teams views and opinions onboard, but being able to make up my own mind.

How do you stay updated?

By attending conferences, speaking with people within the industries that we work, an immense amount of reading of new specifications and updated requirements and discussing issues amongst my team.

How often do you work alone?

Probably 80 to 90% of my time is working alone, although I am in contact with my team members every day via phone, emails etc.

Q: What types of materials or structures do you most often test?

A: Mainly metals, but covering a whole range of industries from Aerospace to Nuclear, Power Generation to Oil & Gas.

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: Having enough time in the day to complete the tasks that are required is my biggest challenge, as well as having to inform clients of bad news – an inspector failing an exam, or a performance review; Or informing them of Non-conformances raised during audits.

Who do you collaborate with most?

Clients and my own team.

What do you enjoy the most?

The camaraderie with colleagues.

What do you find less enjoyable?

Dealing with people, when you have to give them news they don’t want to hear.

Q: How do you handle unexpected issues or complications during testing?

A: By being honest and working with the client to overcome the complication.

Q: Can you share an example of a challenging project and how you overcame it?

A: We had a fire at our facility and it shut the department down for a period of time whereby we couldn’t inspect, and had lost an extensive amount of equipment. I worked with subcontract companies to help prioritise the work we could no longer do and also sent some of our personnel to work at their premises.

Q: How has your role as an NDT technician evolved since you started?

A: Since becoming a Level 3 in 1998, I have spent less time doing the job and more time consulting and auditing. Now I spend very little if any time on the tools.

Q: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your career?

A: When I started at Firth Rixson Forgings (now Forged Solutions) I got their NADCAP audit down from 16 NCR’s (failures) to zero within 12 months, and also set up their internal agency so that they could do their own exams.