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Non-destructive testing technician

Alternative titles for this job include NDT technician

Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians test materials and components used in buildings, structures and machinery.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£45,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

41 to 43 a week

You could work

weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Non-destructive testing technician

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

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

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

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

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

Working environment

You could work in a factory, in a workshop or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

V03121 - Advanced Apprentice Radiography (Quality)

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: 1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

V03117 - Advanced Apprentice Non-Destructive Examination - NDE (Quality)

  • Wage: Competitive Annually
  • Location: 1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Non regulated provision, Level 3, Engineering

  • Provider: PRESTON COLLEGE
  • Start date: 17 January 2025
  • Location: PRESTON

Level 3 Engineering (Mechanical)

  • Provider: TAMESIDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 02 September 2025
  • Location: Ashton-Under-Lyne
Find courses near you

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