NDT Operator Apprenticeship

NDT Operator Apprenticeship

Duration: 18 months.

Funding Cap: Up to £12,000.

Apprenticeship Level: This is a Level 2 apprenticeship.

Standard Reference: ST0358.

Entry Requirements: Level 1 English and maths and good aided or unaided eyesight.

Qualifications Gained*: NDT Level 2 certification in one method in accordance with national and international standards.

*PCN, EN4179 and CSWIP qualifications are accepted by prospective employers.

1. Occupation
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is an engineering science-based profession that requires competent NDT Operators to inspect materials, welds, components or other items to verify their integrity under managed supervisory conditions. NDT Operators may perform inspections within manufacturing processes, often in production line environments and with high product volumes, typically, but not exclusively, using simple methods. Inspections apply to a single NDT inspection method, within manufacturing, in-service inspection or specialised applications such as NDT equipment development.

2. Occupational Profile
Drawing heavily upon the experience and knowledge of the industry sector product technology, an NDT Operator will usually work as part of an inspection team or department performing NDT inspections to pre-defined NDT work instructions and reporting his/her findings through the employer’s quality management system processes. Their findings will be subject to review and authorisation by suitably qualified and experienced supervisory staff, such as NDT Engineering Technicians, to ensure that the results are accurate and reliable.
The skillset and depth of proficiency retained by the NDT Operator, whilst singularly focused on one NDT method, are nevertheless transferable across all engineering sectors. This apprenticeship will provide resources to meet future engineering requirements, such as nuclear new build, power generation, transport, oil & gas and defence.

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

Health & safety knowledge pertinent to the specific requirements of the relevant NDT method
In-depth knowledge of one NDT method to include its capabilities and limitations
An awareness of other NDT methods of inspection and their general capabilities/limitations
The knowledge required for the assessment of defects against acceptance/rejection criteria (required by standards)
Relevant sector-specific technology, quality aspects and working practices, such as inductions and confidentiality
Material and product technology associated with the specific industry sector
Develop an understanding of the consequences of failure and the risk to life.

3.2 Skills – the ability to:

Demonstrate health & safety competencies pertinent to the relevant NDT method, such as working at heights, in confined spaces and in restricted zones
Carry out inspections using one NDT method, which would include:

Revealing defects present on the external surface of the test item/component
Using minimum levels of interpretation, usually by visual assessment only
Referring the inspection results to more skilled or qualified personnel to continue with the inspection process, assessment and interpretation
Safe operation of the equipment within its capabilities and limitations
Working effectively within the limitations of standard tests and measurements relevant to their field of activity
Performing NDT inspections in accordance with written NDT work instructions
Escalating concerns over frequency of type defects to his/her supervisor, in addition to confirming results and accurately recording the findings
Clearly marking defective areas for other follow-up validation by supervisory staff, such as NDT Engineering Technicians
Preparing and submitting clear and concise NDT inspection reports detailing the inspection findings
Reading technical drawings to assist in the inspection process.

Work under technical supervision and report regularly on progress
Ask the supervisor for advice and guidance where appropriate
Demonstrate a disciplined approach relating to industry standard operations and processes
Exhibit environmental awareness and undertake safe working practices for self and others
Have good practical ability, including hand/eye coordination, in order to apply NDT
Achieve good time management and a disciplined approach.

3.3 Behaviour:

Communication – to communicate effectively with senior NDT staff, such as NDT Engineering Technicians, in order to facilitate timely and accurate completion of the inspection programmes
Teamwork – to work effectively in a team and to support others where appropriate
Delivery – to consistently see things through to timely completion
Common sense – to consistently apply knowledge and experience with balance
Influence – to have a positive impact without relying on others
Ethics – to act with maturity, honesty, integrity and responsibility.

4. Entry Requirements
Individual employers will set their own criteria as there are no formal educational entry requirements; however, apprentices without Level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for Level 2 English and maths 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.

5. Duration
The duration of this apprenticeship is typically 18 months.

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

7. Apprenticeship Level
This is a Level 2 apprenticeship.

8. 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