The following is an interview with Sam Cunningham, Technical Sales Manager at LavenderInternational NDT and holder of three roles at BINDT – Vice President; Chair of the Education and Professional Development Committee; and Chair of the Practitioner Committee. For this article, Sam was interviewed about the latter.
Please give a brief history of the committee.
The BINDT Practitioner Committee was developed to establish a dedicated platform for professionals in non-destructive testing (NDT) to share insights and discuss industry advancements. Recognising the need for effective engagement between the Institute and NDT practitioners, the committee has evolved into a vital advisory group to BINDT’s Council, ensuring our relevance and responsiveness to the practitioner community.
What is the purpose of the committee?
The primary purpose of the Practitioner Committee is to advise BINDT’s Council on effectively engaging with NDT and condition monitoring (CM) practitioners across various industry sectors. We focus on understanding the aspirations and expectations of practitioners, addressing their concerns in a timely manner and pursuing advancements in NDT and CM at a practical level. Our goal is to ensure that BINDT remains a supportive and relevant resource for professionals in the field.
What is your personal role within the committee?
As Chair of the committee, my role is to facilitate discussions, coordinate initiatives and represent the committee’s interests to BINDT’s Council. I strive to ensure that all members have a voice in our activities, helping to guide our focus on key issues that affect practitioners in NDT and CM.
What are the key achievements of the committee?
Our committee’s achievements include:
Development of comprehensive guidelines and best practice documents that are widely utilised within the industry.
Hosting a series of engaging webinars and workshops that promote knowledge sharing among practitioners.
Successfully planning and executing BINDT’s first annual ultrasonic testing competition in 2024, which garnered excellent feedback and enhanced community engagement.
Collaborating with educational institutions to improve NDT training programmes, aligning them with industry needs.
Is the committee working on any particular projects at present?
Currently, the committee is engaged in several exciting projects, including organising Session E for BINDT’s Annual Conference in 2025. This session will focus on industry trends and emerging technologies, providing a platform for practitioners to share insights and discuss the future of NDT. We are also conducting a thorough review of existing training programmes to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the industry.In addition, we are developing a mentorship programme aimed at supporting new entrants to the field, promoting knowledge transfer from experienced professionals and creating strategies to enhance BINDT’s engagement with practitioners, removing barriers to participation and ensuring that resources are effectively utilised.
What is the single most important aspect of the committee that you would like readers to know about?
The most important aspect of the Practitioner Committee is our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all practitioners can contribute and thrive. By maintaining open lines of communication and addressing the needs of our members, we aim to dispel any perceptions of the Institute as being unwieldy or unresponsive.
How can interested companies/individuals get involved with the committee?
Interested companies and individuals can get involved by visiting the BINDT website or attending our upcoming meetings and events. We welcome nominations from organisations involved in the practical application of NDT and CM. By participating in the committee, members can play a crucial role in shaping the future of the profession and enhancing our collective impact on the industry.
The next group to be featured in the ‘In Focus’ column will be the Infrared Thermography Working Group in March 2025. If you have questions for this group, please send them to Corinne Mackle at ndtnews@bindt.org or Maria Felice at mvfelice@gmail.com. The value of this column depends on your questions, so please do send them in. It is your choice whether we keep them anonymous or mention your name.
Looking for the People in NDE column? This column will continue on an occasional basis, so if you have any interviewees to recommend, or would like to be featured yourself, please contact the editor at ndtnews@bindt.org or email Maria Felice at mvfelice@gmail.com
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