Non-destructive testing technician

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

• 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

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

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.