Pioneering school sessions delivered by apprentices

Last month, BINDT’s Early Careers Branch and a number of Rolls-Royce NDT Engineer apprentices took part in series of pioneering school sessions, devised by Derby Museums for British Science Week, to give over 250 school students an exclusive insight into the world of non-destructive testing (NDT).

The event was held at the Museum of Making in Derby and focused on NDT and the science of safety, with students exploring how scientific principles, including sound waves, capillary action and electrical current, are used in industrial testing techniques today. During the sessions, students carried out real-life experiments based on testing techniques around the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 aero engine, suspended in the Museum of Making, to give students a first-hand experience of how science can be utilised to support and protect the industry around us. The students also heard first-hand from Rolls-Royce NDT apprentices and the BINDT Early Careers Branch, with advice given on how to develop their own careers and how to sign up to an NDT apprenticeship.

Freya Bexon, a Rolls-Royce NDT degree apprentice who helped to run the sessions, told the students: “My degree apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to explore different career paths that I might not otherwise have considered. It is about what Rolls-Royce does on a bigger scale: we do not just create an engine, it is being able to see all of the different roles that go into testing an engine and the experience you get can also be applied to other careers.

“With a degree apprenticeship, not only do I get my degree paid for by Rolls-Royce, I also get training in the industry for four years. Compared to a graduate, on the day I finish my apprenticeship I will already know how a company works; I will be one step ahead already.”

It is great to see how the next generation of NDT professionals are already promoting the NDT industry and engaging with young people to inspire them to look at a career in NDT. This is something that I believe is incredibly important and the more that this type of event is supported by NDT professionals, NDT companies and equipment providers, the more we can future-proof our 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 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