Non-destructive testing (ndt) technician Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians examine and test the physical properties of materials and components to find possible corrosion, cracks, flaws and other imperfections, which could affect their performance and reliability. They use testing processes that do not damage the structure of the object being tested.

As an NDT technician, you would use a range of methods to test materials and parts, including:

• visual inspection – using lenses, CCTV and fibre optic cameras
• thermal imaging - used to find defects in concrete and other building materials
• dye testing – staining surfaces with fluorescent liquid, which shows up flaws under ultraviolet lighting
• magnetic particle testing – applying magnetic particles to magnetised materials, so they line up along cracks and defects (often combined with dye testing)
• radiographic testing – using X-rays to find internal faults
• ultrasonic testing – firing high frequency sound pulses into materials and analysing the differences in the reflected signals
• eddy current testing – passing electricity through materials and measuring the differences in the flow of current
• resonant testing – 'listening' to the growth of cracks or flaws by monitoring the acoustic vibrations of a structure, for example a bridge support.

In manufacturing, you would work with materials at every stage of production to make sure they are safe. For example, in aircraft construction, you would test materials when they are first made, while the fuselage is being built, and at regular intervals throughout the operating life of the aircraft.

NDT methods are also used in quality control procedures in many industries, including, aerospace, road and rail transport, manufacturing and power generation.

An important part of your work would be to make sure that the testing method you use does not have any harmful effect on the materials, parts or machinery under examination.

Hours

Hours are typically 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you may have to work shifts and weekends.

Depending on your role, you could be based in a laboratory, factory production area or workshop.

For some jobs you would have to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and eye protection.

Income

• Newly qualified technicians can earn around £17,000 a year.
• Experienced technicians earn between £20,000 and £30,000.
• Senior staff can earn up to £40,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You may be able to get into this career through an Apprenticeship, which would normally include working towards NVQ Level 3. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information, visit the Apprenticeships website.

• Apprenticeships

To get on to an Apprenticeship, you are likely to need four or five GCSEs (A-C), including English, maths and a science subject.

You could find a place as a trainee technician after completing a BTEC, City and Guilds or EAL certificate or diploma in an engineering subject at your local college. For example, the BTEC Certificate and Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (Fabrication and Welding) has specific units in NDT and quality control.

You can find more information about careers in NDT and training providers on the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) website.

For more general information about engineering as a career, see the Tomorrow’s Engineers website.

• Tomorrow's Engineers

Training and development

You would usually receive on-the-job training once you start working. With experience, you could work towards certification in one of two ways:

• by completing an internationally recognised programme, such as the Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing (PCN) scheme or the American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT) scheme
• by completing a company's own in-house certification programme.

You should be aware that the in-house option may not always be recognised by other companies or industries.

Higher level qualifications, like a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in materials science or engineering could improve your career prospects. For details of course providers at this level, see the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM ³) website.

For more information on accredited training, certification and professional development schemes, contact BINDT.

If you work in welding inspection, you could gain certification by taking The Welding Institute’s (TWI) Certificate Scheme for Welding and Inspection Personnel (CSWIP). You could do this at various skill levels, depending on your job. See the TWI website for details.

Skills and knowledge

• good problem-solving skills
• a flair for science and engineering
• attention to detail
• the ability to use a wide range of tools and instruments
• good IT skills
• good written and spoken communication skills
• an understanding of health and safety issues.

More information

SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies in the UK)
14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0845 643 9001
www.semta.org.uk

Women into Science, Engineering and Construction
UK Resource Centre
Athlone Wing
Old Building
Great Horton Road
Bradford
BD7 1AY
Tel: 01274 436485
www.theukrc.org/wise

Welding Institute (TWI)
Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridge
CB21 6AL
Tel: 01223 899000
www.twi.co.uk

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)
1 Carlton House Terrace
London
SW1Y 5DB
Tel: 020 7451 7300
www.iom3.org

British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing
Newton Building
St George's Avenue
Northampton
NN2 6JB
Tel: 01604 893811
www.bindt.org

Tomorrow's Engineers
EngineeringUK
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7EX
Email: careers@engineeringuk.com Tel: 020 3206 0400
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk

Opportunities

You could find work in a range of industries, such as construction, engineering, building services and utilities. Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, and specialist publications and websites (see links below).

With experience, you may be able to progress to senior NDT technician, specialise in a particular form of testing, or move into quality assurance, purchasing, technical sales or management. You may also find research and development posts with some UK or overseas universities.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)

• BINDT
• Just Engineers
• The Engineer Online
• Totally Engineering
• Flipside Magazine
• Directgov (Jobseekers page)