Before engaging in employment as a non-destructive testing technician, there is a series of certifications a person must gain to ensure they have the knowledge needed to perform effectively in the field. Hands-on practice is a crucial component of NDT training and allows wannabe technicians to work with complex objects; identifying flaws within their composition to ensure safety on real-world worksites. There are several Australian schools which provide NDT certification. Schools facilitate theoretical learning which must be demonstrably understood by trainees before hands-on practice is permitted. Only after an exam has been passed and a certain number of hours of practical learning completed can a person be rightfully employed as a NDT technician. In this blog post we outline the three most-important lessons NDT technicians should remember before gaining employment in the field of non-destructive testing.
1. Knowledge-Building is an Ongoing Process
Regardless of the comprehensiveness of a person’s NDT training, it’s worth remembering that there is always more you can learn. Even after you can demonstrate knowledge of eddy current testing, liquid penetrant testing, ultrasonic testing and radiographic testing, there are still undoubtedly limitations to the practical applications of your learning which can only be surpassed with experience in the field. Testing increasingly-complex objects with unfamiliar compositions should be done frequently to broaden the scope of one’s knowledge and gain confidence to work in a variety of situations.
2. Thinking Reactively Is Incredibly Important
The lessons taught in a NDT lab can never emphasise enough the importance of thinking reactively when testing real-world objects using NDT techniques. All technicians must be prepared to manage unexpected difficulties and handle things quickly & efficiently. Being decisive during testing is also extremely important and can make all the difference between a successful and failed test. For example, if a test object is not responding to analysis, deciding to abandon the test can ensure technicians stay true to budget, safety and time constraints. Alternatively, deciding to be persistent can be fruitful if the technician is able to insightfully work in new ways in order to complete a test.
3. The Field of NDT is Always Evolving
The wide scope of potential in the non-destructive testing industry means savvy NDT technicians can find opportunities for work in new ways all the time. When trainees begin to get their hands dirty in real life they will undoubtedly discover new applications of their knowledge which they can use to ensure testing is practiced effectively. NDT technicians can therefore develop business acumen which they can use to ensure their skills are as useful as possible to employers.
Buy Electromagnetic Non-Destructive Testing Equipment
Once trained, NDT Australia can supply you with a vast range of non-destructive testing equipment no matter where you are in Australia. Contact us via our contact form or on (02) 9524 0558 to make an enquiry about any of the NDT equipment we have listed on our website. We are available from 7:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday.
