Anyone in NDT/Telecoms Engineer/Rail Signalling?

[HiRoller]

Hi I have been working in a technical role offshore for a few years. I love my job as its a great mix of Hydraulics, robotics, serial data networks, fibre optics and electronics (and a fair bit of ROV flying too).

The stupidly low price of oil is kicking the backside out of the industry and I am looking to invest in some training so (if needed) i can take a sidestep out of offshore work and seek something onshore.

I realise that you may think these roles will be less well paid to what I am used to but being on a day-rate contract and working very limited days has had an enormous impact on my earnings!!

I have looked at some of the NDT courses offered at TWI, Gity & Guild 3667 (telecoms) and some of the Rail Signalling Courses offered by RT Training.
As training providers often do they all paint a super rosy picture of their respective industries so you will part with your hard earned cash for their course.
Can anyone offer an insight into any of these industries, suggest good training centres and if they are busy and growing vocations or ones that have been as hard hit as where I am now?

I was a Mechanical Engineer (CAD designer) before but I don't really fancy going back to that as I do enjoy 'being on the tools'

Any insights or opinions are very much appreciated..Thanks

[dingg]

forget the NDT IMO - lots of lads getting humped due to the same O & G downturn , so competition for those roles is even tighter.

[mer75lin]

i work in ndt, aerospce is where its at, lots of firms after good people at the min, speak to either swsndt or lavenders, who are both training schools and see what you could do.
if you have any specific questions,feel free to drop me a line

[HiRoller]

Are there any particular methods of NDT that are particularly in demand?
Magnetic, Dye Penetrant, Magnetic, Visual, Eddy Current, Ultrasonic or composites work?

I had only heard that times were hard with NDT but this was O&G related work - not heard about owt to do with avaiation. If it is in demand as you say I will look into this further.

Many Thanks

[mer75lin]

phased array is very in demand, same idea as ut but engineers seem to be able to understand a 3d image better than looking at peaks and troughs.
composites is a big growth area, esp within the marine enviroment.
if you can climb/abseil or dive, look at ndt in these areas, you will never be out of work.
feel free to ask any questions or drop me a line

[HiRoller]

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