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Non-destructive testing technician
NDT technician
Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians test materials and components used in buildings, structures and machinery.
Average salary (a year)
£20000
Starter
£32000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
41.0 to 43.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
weekends
on shifts
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You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role
College
You might be able to find a place as a trainee technician after doing a qualification at college. Relevant courses include
Level 2 Certificate in Welding, Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Level 2 Certificate in Welding, Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, Level 3 Extended Certificate in Applied Science, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could complete an intermediate apprenticeship for non-destructive testing (NDT) operators or an advanced apprenticeship for NDT technicians.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You can do a foundation degree in non-destructive testing (NDT) if you're already working in this area, for example in an engineering workshop or a materials testing lab.
The course is offered by the University of Northampton and is done by distance learning. You can go on to complete an NDT degree with them to qualify as an engineer.
More Information
Further Information
You can find out more about this career through The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
To be thorough and pay attention to detail
Analytical thinking skills
Maths knowledge
The ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
Knowledge of engineering science and technology
Knowledge of physics
The ability to work well with others
The ability to analyse quality or performance
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Day to day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include
visually inspecting materials - using CCTV and fibre optic cameras, conducting thermal imaging - to find defects in concrete and other building materials, dye testing - staining surfaces with fluorescent liquid, magnetic particle testing - applying magnetic particles to materials, radiographic testing - using X-rays to find internal faults, ultrasonic testing - firing high frequency sound pulses into materials, eddy current testing - passing electricity through materials, resonant testing - 'listening' to the growth of cracks or flaws by monitoring the acoustic vibrations of a structure, assessing the risks from hazardous materials, for example those used in construction
visually inspecting materials - using CCTV and fibre optic cameras, conducting thermal imaging - to find defects in concrete and other building materials, dye testing - staining surfaces with fluorescent liquid, magnetic particle testing - applying magnetic particles to materials, radiographic testing - using X-rays to find internal faults, ultrasonic testing - firing high frequency sound pulses into materials, eddy current testing - passing electricity through materials, resonant testing - 'listening' to the growth of cracks or flaws by monitoring the acoustic vibrations of a structure, assessing the risks from hazardous materials, for example those used in construction
Working environment
You could work in a factory, in a workshop or in a laboratory.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
With experience, you could become a senior non-destructive technician, or specialise in a particular form of testing.
You could move into quality assurance, purchasing, technical sales, management, or research and development.
You could work towards a degree through part-time study or a degree apprenticeship to become a qualified NDT engineer.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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