NDT Industry

On the Thursday of the recent Materials Testing Exhibition (MT 2022), which took place in Telford, UK, from 6-8 September, BINDT put together the first ‘Apprentices Day’ focused on promoting the NDT industry to prospective apprentices and celebrating the success of current NDT apprentices, as well as providing attendees with the opportunity to learn more from the exhibitors in the exhibition hall. I am pleased to say there were several successful outcomes from the day.

During the morning of the event, the audience was fortunate enough to hear from past and current NDT apprentices on their journey so far and why they chose an NDT apprenticeship, as well as what they have enjoyed most about the industry. These presentations gave an excellent insight into the apprenticeship scheme and inspired many in the room to either take up an NDT apprenticeship or understand the value of taking on an NDT apprentice to improve their business or department.

After the presentations, the prospective apprentices were guided through the exhibition hall and introduced to several organisations that have current vacancies for NDT apprentices. I am extremely pleased to say that one of the individuals who attended the event to learn about the industry has gone on to apply for one of the available vacancies and is due an interview in the next couple of weeks. 

The NDT apprenticeships have had a massive impact but the mission is not over just yet. Institutes, training schools and employers all have a responsibility to ensure the success and sustainability of the industry. We are very excited about developing the Apprentices Day at the next Materials Testing Exhibition and we are already making preparations to include more schools, colleges and universities, as well as practical demonstrations and tutorial sessions. 

During the event, I was blown away by the presentations given by the past and current NDT apprentices and it was clear that the NDT apprenticeships have a massive impact in these individuals’ lives. I will end with this statement from Douglas Richard, who eloquently describes why apprenticeships have so much meaning and why we should all consider this route as an excellent way to ensure the longevity of the industry: “They matter because many jobs are best prepared for whilst on the job. They matter because no single means of learning will ever suit everyone. They matter because many of the best-run companies include apprentices and they matter because the success of our society is, in part, measured on its capacity to shepherd our young people from childhood to meaningful employment.”

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