Howard Garlick joins BINDT as Technical and Certification Engineer

04/08/2025

The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) has announced that Howard Garlick has joined the organisation as a Technical and Certification Engineer, effective 23 June 2025. Howard brings a broad background in non-destructive testing (NDT), training and quality systems to the Institute, with over 15 years of experience in both hands-on inspection and educational leadership.

Howard joins BINDT following his role as Level 3 Training Manager and Lead Auditor at Lavender International, where he worked from April 2018 to June 2025. During his time there, he was responsible for reviewing and updating the Level 3 training programme. This included replacing outdated third-party textbooks with in-house training materials, revising examination content and contributing to the extensive modernisation of facilities.

 

   
  Howard Garlick 

 

Under his management, the training department expanded its student capacity and saw an increase in customer satisfaction. Howard also assisted with the introduction of an online platform to support Level 3 training, making it more accessible to overseas students.
In addition to his training responsibilities, Howard supported Lavender International’s Authorised Examination Centres across multiple countries, including Canada, Greece, South Africa and Malaysia. His work involved conducting on-site audits and providing operational advice to ensure compliance with accreditation requirements. His dual role as a trainer and auditor required flexibility, a broad technical knowledge base and effective communication with international partners.

Howard previously held roles at IMechE Argyll Ruane, where he was involved in both training and quality management. One of his key contributions there was managing the transition of the quality management system to meet ISO 9001:2015 standards while maintaining external approvals.

Earlier in his career, Howard worked as an NDT Inspector at Morgan Ward NDT Ltd and Firth Rixson Metals Ltd, where he performed inspections on a range of components and materials for sectors such as aerospace and energy.

With multiple PCN Level 2 and Level 3 certifications and a background in ISO auditing, Howard has built a career focused on training, procedural development and compliance. He has been active in promoting structured, standards-based approaches to both educational and inspection practices.

His move to BINDT reflects an ongoing interest in supporting industry certification and contributing to wider technical standards through committee involvement and scheme development. Howard’s practical knowledge and industry background are expected to contribute to the ongoing development of certification processes and technical support services.

Howard said: “I am honoured to be joining the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing. This new chapter represents a meaningful opportunity to contribute at a broader, strategic level to the advancement of NDT standards, education and professional development across the industry.

“My career to date has been driven by a passion for raising standards, supporting lifelong learning and contributing to the development of a skilled, competent workforce. These are values that closely align with BINDT’s mission and I am excited to now be in a position where I can support the Institute’s critical work in certification, training accreditation and industry guidance.”

He continued: “I see this role as an opportunity to apply my insights and experience in a way that benefits the wider NDT community. Whether it is contributing to scheme development, supporting innovation in training delivery or engaging with members and stakeholders, I am fully committed to upholding the professionalism and quality for which BINDT is recognised.

“I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the Institute and the broader NDT community and to playing a part in driving forward initiatives that support continuous improvement, technical excellence and the future of our profession.”

Patrick Boulton, Senior Technical and Certification Engineer at BINDT, commented on Howard’s appointment: “BINDT’s Technical Department is thrilled to welcome Howard to the team. His unique skills and knowledge developed through working within industry and as a member of one of BINDT’s Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) will be a valuable addition to the Institute as we continue striving to meet our shared goals and objectives through collaboration and commitment with all our current and future partners. Here’s to building greater things!”

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