“The more I found out about NDT the more I liked it!”

What is an NDT apprenticeship?

The engineering sector has always been considered a diverse industry due to the wide mix of roles available and this is particularly true in the non-destructive testing (NDT), condition monitoring (CM) and structural health monitoring (SHM) communities.

Three NDT apprenticeships are currently available that offer an entry route for people from all backgrounds:

• NDT Operator
• NDT Engineering Technician
• NDT Engineer

These have been developed by leading engineering organisations in conjunction with the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT), the professional institute for all those engaged in NDT, CM and SHM. BINDT is also dedicated to equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as sustainability.

NDT is an engineering science-based profession that requires competent NDT personnel to inspect materials, welds, components or other items to verify their integrity in industries such as aerospace, motorsport, power generation and distribution, manufacturing, railways, oil & gas (on- and offshore), marine and construction. NDT offers its technicians the opportunity to work throughout the world on inspiring and new sustainable engineering projects ensuring that they have constructively contributed to the safety of society and the environment.

Meet Jamal, engineering technician apprentice:

The following account from current apprentice Jamal Hussain provides an insight for those considering a career in NDT:

Jamal is in the first year of his level 3 NDT engineering technician apprenticeship. His role consists of working alongside highly skilled operators, gaining immeasurable experience, as well as achieving Level 2 certificates in three NDT methods. Jamal currently works for Rolls-Royce plc at the Raynesway site testing parts for submarines. Rolls-Royce plc has provided power for the Royal Navy for over 60 years and is leading the revolution in nuclear power and developing this technology for many other uses, from microreactors to synthetic fuel and even space exploration.

After achieving 9 GCSEs, with A*s in maths and sciences, one subject that really stood out to Jamal was design and technology. Jamal explains: “I liked the idea of doing practical tasks in a workshop environment and coursework in the classroom. This led me to completing an A-Level in design and technology.. Throughout this time, I managed to make and test many different products, and this made me want to become an engineer.”

During his studies, Jamal maintained a keen interest in football. As well as his time playing on the pitch, Jamal refereed many games with some at a very high level where professional footballers and managers were in attendance. “I enjoy refereeing and team sports as they give me a chance to work with people of all ages and backgrounds whilst also increasing my interpersonal skills. Throughout my experiences I have learnt that you will not always get decisions right but by taking criticism on board you will become better,” Jamal added.

Following Jamal’s decision to work in engineering he agreed that an apprenticeship would be his best route into the industry and where he could combine his appreciation of hands-on experience and technical qualifications. On researching engineering apprenticeships further, Jamal found and applied for an open engineering apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce plc.

Jamal concluded: “I loved the idea of an apprenticeship as I have always been a practical person and I thought it would be a great way of using my transferable skills that I had gathered during my football and refereeing experience. I had never heard of NDT before I applied for my apprenticeship, but I realised I had been doing it throughout my time at school and particularly when completing the A-Level in design and technology. I would visually check each part that I would fit or assemble, as well as completing tensile, durability and flexibility checks. I was interested in being able to test parts, follow procedures, report defects and gain qualifications at the same time. The more I found out about NDT the more I liked it!”

Becoming a member of the NDT community has also given Jamal opportunities to network and socialise with like-minded individuals. He is currently a member of the BINDT Early Careers Branch, which holds meetings and social events to support, encourage and nurture new members to the NDT industry.

To find out more about apprenticeship training in NDT, visit the website at www.bindt.org/apprenticeships and download the ‘Is NDT the career for me?’ leaflet at: www.bindt.org/downloads/Is-NDT-the-career-for-me.pdf