Non-destructive testing technician
Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians test the safety of materials and components used in structures, machinery and manufactured goods.
Also known as: NDT technician
- Starter salary£28,000 a year
- Experienced£50,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
As non-destructive testing technician, you could:
- create a testing plan and choose the types of test to be carried out
- examine materials for internal and external cracks, flaws and defects
- test samples using methods like X-rays, ultrasonics, staining and visual inspections
- check welds and joints on structures, like pipelines and pressure vessels
- collect and analyse test data
- compare test results with original specification manuals
- monitor the condition of components to track wear and tear over time
- write reports on test findings, safety risks and recommendations
Working environment
You could work in a factory, in a workshop or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- knowledge of physics
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a non-destructive testing technician
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You might be able to find a place as a trainee technician after doing a qualification at college.
Relevant college courses include:
- welding
- engineering
- applied science
- T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 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 apply to do an apprenticeship with an engineering or manufacturing company, for example:
- Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Operator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Non-destructive Technologies Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
With further training, you may be able to take up a place on a Non-destructive Testing Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
These take between 2 and 4 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You can do a foundation degree in non-destructive testing (NDT) if you're already working in this field, 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.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could become a senior non-destructive technician, or specialise in particular forms of testing.
You could also move into:
- quality assurance
- project management
- technical sales
- research and development
You might study part-time for a degree, or do a degree apprenticeship, to become a qualified NDT engineer.
You could register for Engineering Technician (EngTech) status , which would demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the industry.
Registration
- you'll need Personal Certification in Non-destructive testing (PCN) to work in most industries
Guides for this industry
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