Edward Griffiths

This is the third instalment of this new, quarterly column, which focuses on you – the people who work in NDE. Our interviewee for this edition is Edward Griffiths, a trainee NDT Technician for QinetiQ. Edward has only been in the NDT industry for nine months and is a Student Member of BINDT…

Briefly describe your current role in NDT.

I currently work as a trainee NDT Technician within the Air Division sector of QinetiQ at MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. The department I work in is responsible for delivering all the NDT requirements for the aircraft stationed at Boscombe Down. My role involves constant on-the-job training and I am currently acquiring the experience hours needed to become certified at the PCN Level 2 standard for the following disciplines: ET, PT, UT, RT and MT.

What does a typical work day involve? Or is there no ‘typical day’?

There is no typical day at work; it all depends on what tasks need doing when and where. Most of the time it can be put into a plan, so we have an idea of what is coming up for each aircraft depending on flying hours or servicing schedules. However, we do get the occasional priority call for an urgent inspection if an aircraft is needed ASAP. Fortunately, having a wide range of aircraft that require inspections means that my working day is often quite varied and interesting.

What have your different roles been throughout your career?

I have only been in NDT since September 2013 and so far I have completed training courses in ET and PT with Aerospace Inspection Training. Before that, I had just completed a four-year aeronautical engineering apprenticeship at MOD Boscombe Down.

Why did you choose NDT?

I chose NDT because I wanted to pursue a career that would be both interesting and rewarding; so far it has proven to be both.

What would you consider to be your biggest achievements and challenges to date?

As it is still very early in my career, I feel that my biggest achievements lie in the future; however, being accepted into the NDT department was a fantastic moment for me. So far my biggest challenges have been – and will be for the time being – learning and practising the disciplines that are involved with my training, but also developing myself into becoming a proficient NDT inspector.

What changes, if any, do you foresee for NDT in the future?

I think that NDT will become an ever-increasing requirement in the future and the demand for it will be even greater. As technology improves, then I am sure so will the equipment used for carrying out the inspections. It may all become ultra-thin touchscreen devices with multiple interfaces and wireless probes – or even something similar to a Google Glass system.

How long have you been a member of BINDT?

I have been a Student Member of BINDT for three months now. I receive the monthly NDT News and Insight journal; it’s a good way to find out what else is happening in the world of NDT.

How would you describe NDE/NDT to someone who knows little or nothing about it?

The process by which a component is inspected without damaging it using an appropriate method.

And, finally, if you could inspect any structure/component, what would it be?

I think carrying out an inspection on the ISS (International Space Station) would have to be at the top of my list.

Please get in touch if you have any recommendations for future interviewees or would like to be interviewed yourself. Contact the editor at ndtnews@bindt.org or email Maria Felice direct at maria.felice@rolls-royce.com

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