NDT Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

1. Occupation
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is an engineering science-based profession that requires competent Engineering Technicians to inspect materials, welds, components and plant to verify their integrity without rendering them unfit for further service. The role involves technical supervisory responsibility for NDT Operators and other junior staff within the organisation.

2. Occupational Profile
NDT uses various methods, such as ultrasonics, radiography and infrared thermography, to detect cracks and other imperfections in manufactured components, including those that have been in service for a period of time. The results of inspections are taken at face value and, therefore, specialists rely on NDT accuracy when deciding whether to operate, repair or replace a component. The importance of the role of the NDT Engineering Technician cannot, therefore, be overstated. The NDT Engineering Technician will be able to work in specific industries, such as aerospace, motorsport, power generation and distribution, manufacturing, railways, oil & gas (on- and offshore), marine and construction. Real-life examples could include inspecting airframes and engines, Formula 1 gearboxes and nuclear reactors or other safety-critical components. The NDT Engineering Technician will oversee, validate and audit by re-inspection the work of NDT Operators and manage projects and specific areas of work. The NDT Engineering Technician will hold three NDT certificates (mapped to engineering registration at the EngTech level). The NDT Engineering Technician will have transferable skills that will include a broad knowledge of engineering principles and manufacturing processes.

3. Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour gained through the Apprenticeship
3.1 Knowledge and understanding of:

Supervisory techniques, such as leading and motivating, performance evaluation, mentoring junior staff and organising, planning, delegating and solving routine daily problems
Relevant mathematics, including numerical and data analysis, that is necessary to support the application of technical and practical skills
Three NDT methods, including a complex method such as ultrasonics, eddy current, radiography or infrared thermography, with the responsibility for applying multiple scientific principles to identify flaws obscured by structural or volumetric features that are not necessarily visible on the surface
Formula-based engineering and the scientific principles underpinning relevant current technologies
How to use materials, equipment, tools, processes and products relating to NDT
Preparation of NDT procedures, technique sheets and work instructions for use by NDT Operators
How to use and apply information from technical literature, codes of practice and industry standards
The limitations of standard tests and measurements relevant to their field of activity
Industry-specific product technology, including material types, defect types, defect mechanisms, growth rates, industry-specific NDT applications and R&D opportunities
How to use the results of engineering NDT analysis for the purpose of developing solutions to well-defined engineering problems
The need to gather contextual information prior to the inspection required for the assessment of defects against acceptance/rejection criteria
Health & safety and company-specific requirements, permits to work, inductions, risk assessments, safety passport, working at heights and in confined spaces, chemical handling, radiation safety, restricted zones (gas, nuclear and site radiography) and other requirements
Project management processes and key points
The consequences of failure and the risk to life and the environment.

3.2 Skills and practical application:

Demonstrate the ability to manage areas of work that require the coordination and supervision of other staff, such as NDT Operators
Demonstrate NDT competencies relevant to the industry sector and appropriate materials using equipment, tools and processes
The ability to carry out NDT in three methods, including at least one complex method, to appropriate national and international certification standards, such as BS EN ISO 9712 or BS EN 4179, that meet the requirements of Engineering Council EngTech registration
Apply appropriate solutions to well-defined engineering problems using the chosen NDT methods
Select appropriate methods and techniques and understand their limitations
Supervise and project manage areas of work to include, where appropriate, NDT Operators’ work and reports for compliance and accuracy; achieve good time management
Ability to conduct re-inspection audits of NDT Operators’ work, comparing and evaluating the results and taking appropriate action when necessary
Implement quality control and quality assurance of NDT systems and performance
Operate with good practical ability, including hand/eye coordination, in order to apply NDT
Follow written procedures in order to demonstrate a disciplined approach
Identify problems and apply appropriate NDT methods to identify causes and achieve satisfactory solutions and submit clear and precise NDT reports and instructions
Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks, with consideration for cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact
Interpret engineering/CAD drawings, particularly those related to weld/component configuration
Manage a project through to completion.

3.3 Behaviour:

Leadership – provide direction, implement plans and motivate people
Teamwork – to effectively manage a team and to support others where appropriate
Courage – willing to make independent decisions and be respected and understood when doing so
Delivery – to consistently manage activities/tasks through to timely completion
Respect – have respect for the abilities of others, particularly those working under your direction
Influence – have a positive impact and be able to proactively influence others in multiple contexts
Compassion – have empathy for the predicaments of others, particularly junior staff
Ethics – to act with maturity, honesty, integrity and responsibility
Clear focus – avoid distractions and be a good communicator
Environmental awareness – undertake safe working practices for self, others and the environment
Personal responsibility – take responsibility as an individual and as a team member.

4. Entry Requirements
Individual employers will set their own criteria; however, it is advisable for apprentices to have a minimum of three GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including English and maths. Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment. There is also a requirement to have good aided or unaided eyesight, to satisfy the mandatory NDT eyesight test, and to have appropriate physical fitness in order to operate in industrial environments.

5. Duration
The duration of this apprenticeship is typically 36 months.

6. Qualifications/NDT Certification
In the non-destructive testing sector, apprentices are required to achieve industry-recognised NDT Level 2 certification in three methods in accordance with national and international standards.

7. Link to Professional Registration
This apprenticeship meets the requirements for Engineering Council registration at the Engineering Technician level. BINDT is licensed by the Engineering Council to approve apprenticeships and other integrated knowledge/competence programmes for Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration.

8. Apprenticeship Level
This is a Level 3 apprenticeship.

9. Review of Standard

The standard will be reviewed after three years.

For further information contact:
The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing, Midsummer House, Riverside Way, Bedford Road, Northampton NN1 5NX, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)1604 438300; Fax: +44 (0)1604 438301; Email: apprenticeships@bindt.org