Feedback survey on NDT apprenticeships

IfATE has asked BINDT to review all these standards, which is a typical request to ensure the viability of the apprenticeships from a Department for Education point of view. IfATE has raised concerns over the low numbers on the NDT Operator apprenticeship. The employer group at BINDT feels that the reasons behind the low uptake and high dropout is due to COVID-19 and that the scheme should be given a chance for another few years. This is one of the reasons we are reaching out to you, the employer, to try and identify any reasons for the lack in popularity of the NDT Operator apprenticeship or for the soaring popularity of the NDT Engineering Technician apprenticeship. IfATE is also concerned over the NDT qualifications being mandatory. The employer group at BINDT feels these are essential and must continue to be in the standards. If NDT qualifications were not mandatory, would this compromise the credibility and validity of the apprenticeships?

To achieve the best outcome for the NDT industry, IfATE, BINDT and Lavender International (as the leading Main Provider) have agreed to facilitate a survey* of a wider range of NDT employers to assess the voice of the industry.

Scan the QR code to access the survey:



*For companies operating in England only. 
If you have already completed the survey through 
Lavender International or another source, there is no need to repeat it.

Please note that the views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not represent the views of Lavender International NDT or BINDT.

Sam Cunningham is with Lavender International NDT 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