Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician

On a non-destructive testing engineering technician apprenticeship course, you’ll help use specialist methods to detect cracks and other imperfections in manufactured components.

Non-destructive testing is an engineering science-based profession that needs you to check materials, welds, components, and plant to guarantee their integrity while keeping them usable in the future.

In addition, you will be in charge of technical supervision of non-destructive testing operators and other junior workers within the organisation. 

You’ll learn to use ultrasonics, radiography, and infrared thermography to detect fractures and defects in manufactured components and conduct trustworthy inspections.

You’ll be able to work in industries like aerospace, motorsport, power generation and distribution, manufacturing, railways, oil and gas, marine, and construction, which means you could inspect airframes and engines, Formula 1 gearboxes, or even nuclear reactors, among other safety-critical components.

What you’ll learn

On a non-destructive testing engineering technician apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Demonstrate your capacity to manage tasks involving cooperation and supervision of other workers, such as NDT Operators.
• Use appropriate equipment, methods, and processes to show NDT capabilities for the industrial sector and materials.
• Capability to conduct NDT in three methods, including at least one complex method, in line with applicable national and international certification standards, such as BS EN ISO 9712 or BS EN 4179, in order to meet the Engineering Council EngTech registration requirements.
• Apply solutions to well-defined engineering problems using the chosen NDT methods.
• Choose methods and processes while being mindful of their limitations.
• Supervise and project manage work areas, including NDT Operator’s work and reports for compliance and accuracy; demonstrate outstanding time management skills.
• Capability to conduct re-inspection audits of NDT Operator work, comparing and analysing results, and taking necessary action as needed.
• Quality assurance and quality control should be implemented for NDT systems and performance.
• You must have good practical abilities to use NDT, especially hand/eye coordination.
• Adhere to established procedures to demonstrate a disciplined mindset.
• Identify problems, utilise appropriate NDT methods to identify causes and acceptable solutions, and give clear and accurate NDT reports and instructions.
• Identify, organise, and use resources effectively to complete tasks while considering cost, quality, safety, security, and environmental impact.
• Interpret engineering/CAD drawings, particularly weld/component setup. Manage a project from beginning to end.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• Three GCSEs, including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications. Good aided or unaided eyesight to satisfy the mandatory non-destructive testing eyesight test and appropriate physical fitness.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises three distinct assessment methods: 

• Synoptic Assessment Interview
• Project Presentation of NDT Project
• Documentation Review

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 3 Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.