First published April 12th, 2019

Non-destructive testing (NDT) personnel test structures and components for flaws that could affect their safety or effectiveness. The testing processes do not damage the structure or object being tested.

By identifying problems at an early stage, NDT plays an important role in preventing accidents, as well as breakdowns and failures that could cause costly delays. NDT can be used to find, size and locate surface and subsurface defects.

Some examples of NDT applications include:

• Testing the welds and casings of pipelines used in the petrochemical industry for cracks and corrosion that could cause leaks.
• Testing aircraft engine components and airframes for defects which could pose a risk to flight safety.
• Testing the front and rear wings on Formula 1 cars for correct assembly to prevent catastrophic failure in a race.

Around 30,000 people work in NDT in the UK alone. They are employed in many different industries including aerospace, maritime, rail, automotive, mining, space, defence, power generation, nuclear, oil and gas, etc.

NDT technicians are highly skilled individuals who must undertake practical and theoretical training and thereafter hone their competence by completing lengthy periods under supervision. Only then can they become certified to operate. They are subject to periodic re-examination in order to maintain this certification.

Technicians can use a range of NDT methods, depending on the object or material that is tested. These include:

• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Electromagnetic Testing (ET)
• Laser Testing Methods (LM)
• Leak Testing (LT)
• and many others...

Non-destructive testing can be applied to each stage of an item's construction.

How can employers find the right hire?

Talk to the experts in the field...NDT Resources Ltd is a specialist Non-destructive Testing (NDT) recruitment company sourcing candidates for NDT Jobs in various industrial sectors.

Unlike most recruitment companies and employers' HR faculty, we understand NDT methodology and the various certification regimes involved. Therefore, we provide an informed link between candidate and client - the right people are put in front of the hiring manager.

There is currently a shortage of trained NDT personnel in the UK and overseas, with more vacancies than applicants - candidates can afford to be choosy.

For employers to find the right hire, support from an informed and consultative recruiter is vital. This is where NDT Resources can help. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs.