NDT Technician
Discussion
Hi All,
Based in the United Kingdom, I have been offered voluntary redundancy from an office based job with a handsome lump sum amount. I want to change career and become an NDT Tech. I've done my research and it is a job that definitely appeals to me, and the ceiling seems to be really high with all the certs and different avenues I can progress in. I'm 34 years old.
I plan to do my MT and PT certs at Lavender in April. I will then have until the end of July to find someone to take me on (last day at current role will be end of July).
I'm based in Sheffield, so I'm surrounded by forges, steel manufacturers, and aerospace suppliers. Lavender is practically on my doorstep. My plan is MT and PT Level 2 first, then add UT once I'm established, with a view to PAUT further down the line. I'm self funding everything from my redundancy money so I'm fully committed to this.
What I'd like to know from those of you in the UK:
With freshly passed MT and PT Level 2 certs and no NDT experience yet, how realistic is it to find someone willing to take me on in the Sheffield/South Yorkshire area? I know the experience hours are a sticking point for a lot of new starters. My worry is that I pay for the course and I can't find anyone to take me on.
Is it worth investing in Lavender's structured experience programme to get some of my hours signed off before approaching employers, or is it better to get the certs and go knocking on doors?
For those of you who came into NDT later in life rather than straight from school - how did you get your foot in the door? Any general advice for someone in my position? Things you wish you'd known, mistakes to avoid, anything at all.
I've read through a lot of threads on here and I know the common advice is "get sponsored by an employer" but that ship has sailed for me at 34 - I'd rather invest in myself and turn up to interviews with the certificates, than compete with school leavers for apprenticeship spots.
Appreciate any insights.
Cheers
Based in the United Kingdom, I have been offered voluntary redundancy from an office based job with a handsome lump sum amount. I want to change career and become an NDT Tech. I've done my research and it is a job that definitely appeals to me, and the ceiling seems to be really high with all the certs and different avenues I can progress in. I'm 34 years old.
I plan to do my MT and PT certs at Lavender in April. I will then have until the end of July to find someone to take me on (last day at current role will be end of July).
I'm based in Sheffield, so I'm surrounded by forges, steel manufacturers, and aerospace suppliers. Lavender is practically on my doorstep. My plan is MT and PT Level 2 first, then add UT once I'm established, with a view to PAUT further down the line. I'm self funding everything from my redundancy money so I'm fully committed to this.
What I'd like to know from those of you in the UK:
With freshly passed MT and PT Level 2 certs and no NDT experience yet, how realistic is it to find someone willing to take me on in the Sheffield/South Yorkshire area? I know the experience hours are a sticking point for a lot of new starters. My worry is that I pay for the course and I can't find anyone to take me on.
Is it worth investing in Lavender's structured experience programme to get some of my hours signed off before approaching employers, or is it better to get the certs and go knocking on doors?
For those of you who came into NDT later in life rather than straight from school - how did you get your foot in the door? Any general advice for someone in my position? Things you wish you'd known, mistakes to avoid, anything at all.
I've read through a lot of threads on here and I know the common advice is "get sponsored by an employer" but that ship has sailed for me at 34 - I'd rather invest in myself and turn up to interviews with the certificates, than compete with school leavers for apprenticeship spots.
Appreciate any insights.
Cheers
Hats off to you for taking the initiative to train yourself. That will go a long long way with gaining employment!.
Plenty of other machines require NDT, lots of third party contractors and also manufacturers that require chillers to be looked at, even more so now with the proliferation of data centres, depending on water conditions some may want it every 24months and others every 60months. If you’re will to travel you will do well in this field.
Plenty of other machines require NDT, lots of third party contractors and also manufacturers that require chillers to be looked at, even more so now with the proliferation of data centres, depending on water conditions some may want it every 24months and others every 60months. If you’re will to travel you will do well in this field.
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