NDT Apprenticeships Standard Review

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is currently reviewing the standards for the Level 2 NDT Operator and Level 3 NDT Engineering Technician apprenticeships. This review is crucial to ensure that these programmes continue to meet the needs of the industry and provide valuable skills to apprentices and employers.

Level 2 NDT Operator
Concerns have been raised over the low enrolment and high dropout rates for this apprenticeship. IfATE is considering retiring this programme unless employers, like you, can demonstrate its importance and justify its continuation.

Level 3 NDT Engineering Technician
This programme is also under review due to the high dropout and low achievement levels. BINDT is reviewing the programme’s duration, the number of methods included and the end-point assessment methods to better align with industry needs.

To achieve the best outcome for the non-destructive testing (NDT) industry, your insights are vital in shaping the apprenticeship standards. IfATE, in collaboration with BINDT and Lavender International, is conducting a survey to capture the voice of the industry.

Please use the following link to complete the short survey: www.cognitoforms.com/lavenderndtinternational/ifatequestionnaire

As a reminder:

The Level 2 NDT Operator Apprenticeship is of an 18-month duration, leading to one NDT Level 2 qualification.
The Level 3 NDT Engineering Technician is of a 36-month duration, leading to three NDT Level 2 qualifications.

Please take a few moments to complete this survey. Your feedback will directly influence the standards and structure of these apprenticeships, helping us create a robust and effective training programme for future NDT professionals.

Please forward this on to anyone within your organisation who you feel could make a contribution. The more responses we receive, the higher the likelihood we can save the NDT apprenticeship standards.

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/employing-an-apprentice

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

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