Finding the next generation of NDT talent

Over recent months, there have been a large number of employers looking to recruit NDT apprentices at various levels. This is an extremely positive movement for the NDT apprenticeship scheme and it is clear that industry has accepted and is embracing this method of training.

From major aerospace primes to NDT test houses and manufacturing plants, employers have undertaken the recruitment process to inject new talent into their NDT teams. What is even better is that some employers have started the recruitment process for the second or third time, as their previous intakes of apprentices end their training programmes and undergo their end-point assessment. It is estimated that 30 end-point assessments are scheduled to take place between now and December, with around 65% of these employers looking to take on their next cohort of apprentices. This continuous cycle of recruitment, training and continuous development has brought a significant benefit to a number of organisations across the country and is enabling them to address key issues around skills gaps, contingency plans and future proofing.

Currently, there are nine vacancies advertised on the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) website in six organisations that are specifically looking for NDT Operators or NDT Engineering Technicians.

The National Apprenticeship Service, part of the Education and Skills Funding Agency, is a government agency that coordinates apprenticeships in England, enabling young people to enter the skilled trades. Your chosen apprenticeship training provider should be able to help you upload your vacancies directly to the NAS website so that you can advertise your position to thousands of individuals who are specifically looking to embark on an apprenticeship training programme.

This positive movement towards recruitment of NDT apprentices demonstrates a number of key factors. Firstly, the movement is helping to address the wider skills gap across the whole NDT industry throughout the UK. Secondly, it shows a vibrant population of NDT technicians is being developed, who are learning from experienced professionals and gaining industry-recognised qualifications. Finally, it shows that the NDT Trailblazer group produced a first-class training scheme. Designed by industry, made for industry!

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 the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing.

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

Comments by members

This forum post has no comments, be the first to leave a comment.

<< Back