IMechE Argyll Ruane opens NDT training school in Scotland
05/10/2021
IMechE Argyll Ruane has opened a non-destructive testing training school in Fife, central Scotland, to offer its services to a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, marine and defence industries that depend on skilled, certified NDT technicians. 
The closure of the NDT school at Fife College in 2020 after more than 30 years in operation left central Scotland without an NDT training school, until IMechE Argyll Ruane stepped in to save the jobs of the training staff and commit to establishing a new school.
IMechE Argyll Ruane, one of the UK’s largest NDT training businesses, is owned by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Based in Dunfermline, IMechE Fife NDT opened in July 2021 and offers a full range of training courses. It also claims to be the first training school in Scotland to offer the advanced courses of eddy current, phased array ultrasonic testing and time-of-flight diffraction.
“IMechE Fife NDT can become one of the jewels in the Institution’s crown. In our work developing our future strategy, pride and prestige, impact and financial resilience are all important themes for the Institution and IMechE Fife NDT exemplifies all of these,” said IMechE Chief Executive Dr Alice Bunn at an open day held at the new school.
The two open days, held in mid-September, showcased the new facility and training capabilities.
They were attended by customers, staff and a number of non-destructive testing instrumentation manufacturers from across all disciplines, who exhibited their latest products.
Chris Kirby, IMechE Argyll Ruane General Manager, said: “This has been a major investment in the current climate, but IMechE felt it was important to support the Scottish non-destructive testing sector. Our new colleagues have worked hard to create an excellent training centre and continue to offer the friendly and efficient service that Fife College was known for, with the benefit of now being able to provide a significantly expanded service that includes advanced methods and Level 3 training and consultancy.”
