Applied Inspection duo praise career and company benefits of unique NDT Engineer degree apprenticeship
15/12/2021
Having risen through the ranks from Trainee to Branch Manager, Joe Morgan, aged 31 from Burton-on-Trent, was keen to develop a new training programme for staff within Applied Inspection, a leading non-destructive testing (NDT) company.Implementing this training strategy, Applied Inspection approached leading NDT apprenticeship provider Skills Training UK and the University of Northampton about the Level 6 NDT Engineer degree apprenticeship.
Joe said: “While we have had previous managers complete an NDT degree, this degree apprenticeship offered a much faster route to get the skills and industry-leading qualifications for staff and was also made highly affordable with financial incentives, meaning it can be embraced as an ongoing part of our workforce strategy.”
After fulfilling its apprenticeship levy spend, Applied Inspection made use of the government’s co-investment option to secure 95% of the apprenticeship fees, paying the remaining 5% itself. Joe and his colleague Nathan Bate, Technical Manager, found huge benefit in sharing the degree apprenticeship experience, leaning on each other for support to fit in usual work responsibilities as well as hitting the degree deadlines.
With the majority of the NDT Engineer degree apprenticeships delivered through the University of Northampton’s online learning hub, Nathan said: “Distance learning has been great. Not needing to attend the university at scheduled times has made the process more flexible so we can fit in studying around work and life commitments. Everything is laid out in learning packages, so there’s access to the materials we need and we can stay on track.”
Since moving into a management role, Joe sees the apprenticeship as a way of continuing his own professional journey, praising the networking opportunities and wider organisational skills learnt along the way.
Joe said: “I didn’t want to ever reach the level where I’m content and stagnant and not going anywhere. It’s hard work and it’s something to be proud of.”
As part of the apprenticeship, Nathan has also achieved a coveted PCN Level 3 industry certification in ultrasonic testing of forgings.
Nathan said: “Achieving the PCN Level 3 is excellent; without this apprenticeship we wouldn’t necessarily get the opportunity to study to that level. To achieve a PCN Level 3 in NDT can cost in the region of £2000, so not all companies are going to be able to justify that outlay. This route allows continuing professional development and a chance to upskill that’s fully funded, so it’s brilliant for the guys on the course and manageable for your employer.”
Upon completion of the apprenticeship, Joe and Nathan will also have the opportunity to complete Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration, a significant accreditation within the industry. Joe said: “I want to progress to the highest level I possibly can and I would like to reach Managing Director level one day, ultimately to help people progress through in the same way I have and to bring people into the industry. The degree helps you stand out in the industry and gives you that something extra to your name.”
In the short term, the degree apprenticeship adds a rewarding element on top of the managers’ day jobs, but in the longer term it can provide a strong return on investment, resulting in a highly competent workforce with the NDT qualifications to match.
Further recommending the apprenticeship, Nathan added: “I’d like to spread awareness that this option is available as it has definitely helped push us younger engineers onwards in our careers, which is something the NDT industry needs.”
https://bit.ly/NDTDegreeApprenticeship
