Non-destructive testing technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

You might be able to find a place as a trainee technician after doing a qualification at college. Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Welding
• Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
• Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science
• T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship for non-destructive testing (NDT) operators or an advanced apprenticeship for NDT technicians.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You can do a foundation degree in non-destructive testing (NDT) if you're already working in this area, for example in an engineering workshop or a materials testing lab.

The course is offered by the University of Northampton and is done by distance learning. You can go on to complete an NDT degree with them to qualify as an engineer.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• maths knowledge
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of physics
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to analyse quality or performance
• the ability to use your initiative
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to learn through your work
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• concentration skills
• business management skills

What you'll do:

Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians test materials and components used in buildings, structures and machinery.

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• visually inspecting materials - using CCTV and fibre optic cameras
• conducting thermal imaging - to find defects in concrete and other building materials
• dye testing - staining surfaces with fluorescent liquid
• magnetic particle testing - applying magnetic particles to materials
• radiographic testing - using X-rays to find internal faults
• ultrasonic testing - firing high frequency sound pulses into materials
• eddy current testing - passing electricity through materials
• resonant testing - 'listening' to the growth of cracks or flaws by monitoring the acoustic vibrations of a structure
• assessing the risks from hazardous materials, for example those used in construction

Location : You could work in a factory, in a workshop or in a laboratory.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £32,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a senior non-destructive technician, or specialise in a particular form of testing.

You could move into quality assurance, purchasing, technical sales, management, or research and development.

You could work towards a degree through part-time study or a degree apprenticeship to become a qualified NDT engineer.