BINDT Affiliate Member Grade

In 2016, BINDT introduced a new membership structure developed to meet the demand for simplified pathways into membership for those with roles in non-destructive testing (NDT) and condition monitoring (CM) that are more functional than academic, such as practitioners and engineers. One result of the restructure included the ‘Student’ and ‘Affiliate’ member grades being combined into one ‘Affiliate’ member grade. This created an option for PCN certificate holders or individuals who have an interest in NDT to join the Institute at the non-voting grade of Affiliate member at no charge.

Embedded within the three NDT apprenticeship standards is the requirement prior to the end-point assessment that all NDT apprentices hold at least Affiliate membership of BINDT. This has a number of benefits for the apprentice, as well as the industry as a whole. Firstly, this allows the individual to access their continuing professional development (CPD) tool via the BINDT website, as well as to demonstrate their standing within the engineering community, enhancing their career opportunities. In addition, it allows the Institute to capture individuals early on in their NDT career, to support them and provide guidance in relation to certification, training and industry-related news.

Here is a full list of benefits that come with the Affiliate grade:

Education – to further your knowledge and enhance your career prospects;
Information – industry and employment news;
Free online copy of Insight, the Institute’s monthly journal;
Monthly online NDT News – Branch bulletin and certification news;
Free Branch membership;
Personal legal helpline;
Discounts on books, membership items and other goods;
Discounts for attendance at Institute conferences and seminars;
Engineers’ registration opportunities – CEng, IEng and EngTech; and
The opportunity to participate in industry committees.

As apprentices go on to complete their training programmes and develop their career prospects while holding Affiliate membership, there could be options for them to upgrade to either Associate membership or even full membership of BINDT, depending on their qualifications and work experience. Any apprentice successfully completing the NDT Engineering Technician apprenticeship within the guided duration of 36 months should be eligible to upgrade to Associate member grade, which I would strongly recommend.

Upgrading from Affiliate to Associate member grade may be achieved via one of the following routes:

Certification route requires:

Possession of a PCN Level 2 qualification, or equivalent; and
A minimum of three years’ combined approved professional development in NDT, CM or related technologies

Standard academic route requires:

Possession of one or more relevant academic qualifications, for example BTEC/SCOTVEC ordinary certificate or equivalent, in an approved subject; and

A minimum of three years’ combined approved professional development in NDT, CM or related technologies.

If you are an apprentice who has recently completed and meet the above eligibility criteria for Associate membership, then upgrade today and take your NDT career to the next level!

Please note that the views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not represent the views of Skills Training UK or BINDT.

Sam Cunningham is with Skills Training UK and is a member of BINDT’s Education & Professional Development Committee, which oversees the development of the NDT apprenticeships.

Employers in England looking to recruit an apprentice can find up-to-date guidance at: www.gov.uk/recruit-apprentice

Details of the current apprenticeship vacancies in England are available at: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

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