Latest news and updates - May 2020

Warm welcome to our May Newsletter.

Despite the majority of the world still in lock-down, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are looking into the future of NDT and would like to invite you to take part in the discussion about 'Transfer of NDT Skills Across Sectors'. We laid out our arguments below and are looking forward to your input.

As always we have some jobs available for you to look at and to apply to should you find them of interest. Or perhaps you may know someone who would be a suitable candidate, in which case please spread the word.

In any case, if you want to know more, feel free to contact Paul Morgan on

+44 (0)1793 200169 for an informal chat.

Transfer of NDT Skills Across Sectors

We would appreciate the NDT community's thoughts on the proposition outlined below. It seeks to start a conversation that could lead to a more flexible NDT workforce; able to work across different industrial sectors. Although we use ultrasonic testing (UT) as an example here, this also applies to other methods. Other sectors, than aerospace and oil & gas examined here, can also be considered.

Sector Certification

Proficiency in UT of a weld on an oil platform or of a CFRP composite panel on an aircraft requires knowledge of how they were formed and thus what flaws may be inherent.

Of course, they are two different beasts, and this is only one example of how discontinuities differ from one sector to another; how they're sought and what their indications represent. This has necessarily led to sector specific certification and to NDT practitioners being pigeonholed.Add text to your email.

Product Technology

For example, although the actual UT technique used to determine flaws in a CFRP composite panel is relatively easy (compared to shear wave testing), knowledge of how it was manufactured and of potential flaws

inherent from manufacture or service life is key. The oil and gas NDT technician with PCN 3.1, 3.2 would not be equipped to successfully carry out this test. It's even more evident looking at it the other way around. However, the shortage of technicians lies in UT of composites and they are in greater demand than ever. This disparity in skill sets applies to other methods and sectors as well.Add text to your email.

Product Technology Training

In the future we would like to see training courses developed solely to address differences in product technology; that are specific to each industrial sector and be used as an appendix to core method certification. Rather than, as at present, a PCN UT 3.1 tech being required to undergo basic theory again to achieve PCN Aero, for example. This, we would argue, would provide a leaner pathway to certification and enable technicians to utilise their existing method certs to move more easily between sectors. For example: a course in aerospace structures and manufacture of carbon composite parts. This would enable an oil and gas technician to switch to aerospace. This idea, in principle, would have to be agreed by certifying bodies (ASNT, BINDT (PCN) and ISO) and extensive work carried out to determine appropriate content and how much work experience would entitle them to accreditation. Nonetheless, we believe that this will provide a more flexible NDT workforce that would be better equipped to fill shortfalls in sector manpower or enable technicians to move from highly competitive sectors. We recognise that technicians require extensive experience in their new field to become and remain effective, but once achieved, the period of ‘significant interruption' stipulated in PCN can be used to determine whether these courses remain current for the individual.

So, we have laid out my proposition, very much in principle, and acknowledge the extensive work to make it a reality. Can it become a reality? Have we misunderstood sector specific certification? We look forward to your thoughts.

Jobs

Currently we are working on UK placements for NDT Sales Managers and Specialists and a Formula 1 NDT Technician.

Available vacancy:

NDT Level II Inspector (UT, ET, PT)

Memphis, USA (must be eligible to live and work in USA)

Our client (a Fortune 50 company) specialises in the manufacture of a complete range of seamless stainless steel pipes, nickle-based and alloy pipes, metallurgically bonded, seamless clad pipes - known as SX-Clad - and extruded shapes/profiles for aerospace applications.

Responsible NDT Level III

Memphis, TN, USA (must be eligible to live and work in USA)

The role of Responsible Level III for a company that specialises in the manufacture of a complete range of seamless stainless steel pipes, nickle-based and alloy pipes, metallurgically bonded, seamless clad pipes - known as SX-Clad - and extruded shapes/profiles for aerospace applications. Clients range from oil and gas companies, power and nuclear power plants, water treatment centres, chemical, petrochemical and aerospace companies.

NDT Sales Specialist

UK (flexible)

Suitable candidates will be part of a team to deliver sales of their innovative ultrasonics product worldwide. You will be involved at the very early stages of this effort. Our client has impressive and confident backing from investors who believe that this is a ground-breaking NDT solution. Generous salary, bonuses and provision of company shares are on offer.

NDT Sales Manager

UK-based. Location to be discussed.

An innovative and pioneering company, developing and manufacturing market leading ultrasound equipment for the aviation and automotive industries, currently seeks the expertise of an experienced NDT Sales Specialist, with the drive and ambition to be a part of the development of a new worldwide sales effort for a ground-breaking Ultrasonic Testing technology. My client has ambitious plans to scale up and penetrate other industries, and these plans are confidently backed by impressive investment.

NDT Resources Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency (introducing candidates for employment by the hirer) as defined under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (UK) in respect of the job title detailed above.Add text to your email.

Don't forget you can download NDT Sector salaries guide directly from our website.

Social Media

NDT Resources are now present on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Please visit our profiles and of course feel free to follow.

Blog

We frequently update blog tab on our website, so you can keep up with the NDT industry news. From our latest article you will learn all about our way of working with clients.