Key information

  1. Reference: ST0288
  2. Date updated: 19/12/2022
  3. Level: 3
  4. Route: Engineering and manufacturing
  5. Regulated occupation: No

Details of the occupational standard

Information Symbol

T-Levels logoT Levels focus on vocational skills and can help students into skilled employment, higher study or apprenticeships. Each T Level includes an in-depth industry placement that lasts at least 45 days. Students get valuable experience in the workplace; employers get early sight of the new talent in their industry.

Occupation summary

NDT uses various methods, such as ultrasonics, radiography and infrared thermography, to detect cracks and other imperfections in manufactured components, including those that have been in service for a period of time. The results of inspections are taken at face value and, therefore, specialists rely on NDT accuracy when deciding whether to operate, repair or replace a component. The importance of the role of the NDT Engineering Technician cannot, therefore, be overstated. The NDT Technician will be able to work in specific industries, such as aerospace, motorsport, power generation and distribution, manufacturing, railways, oil & gas (on- and offshore), marine and construction. Real-life examples could include inspecting airframes and engines, Formula 1 gearboxes and nuclear reactors or other safety-critical components. The NDT Engineering Technician will oversee, validate and audit by re-inspection the work of NDT Operators, and manage projects and specific areas of work. The NDT Technician will hold three NDT certificates (mapped to engineering registration at the EngTech level). The NDT Engineering Technician will have transferable skills that will include a broad knowledge of engineering principles and manufacturing processes.

Typical job titles include:

Test Technician Testing Engineer

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Supervisory techniques, such as, leading and motivating, performance evaluation, mentoring junior staff, organising, planning, delegating and solving routine daily problems Back to Duty

K2: Relevant mathematics, including numerical and data analysis, that is necessary to support the application of technical and practical skills Back to Duty

K3: Three NDT methods, including a complex method, such as ultrasonics, eddy current, radiography or infrared thermography, with the responsibility of applying multiple scientific principles to identify flaws obscured by structural or volumetric features that are not necessarily visible on the surface. Back to Duty

K4: Formula-based engineering and the scientific principles underpinning relevant current technologies Back to Duty

K5: How to use materials, equipment, tools, processes and products relating to NDT Back to Duty

K6: Preparation of NDT Procedures, Technique Sheets and Work Instructions for use by NDT Operators Back to Duty

K7: How to use and apply information from technical literature, codes of practice and industry standards Back to Duty

K8: The limitations of standard tests and measurements relevant to their field of activity Back to Duty

K9: Industry-specific product technology, including material types, defect types, defect mechanisms, growth rates, industry-specific NDT applications and R&D opportunities Back to Duty

K10: How to use the results of engineering NDT analysis for the purpose of developing solutions to well-defined engineering problem Back to Duty

K11: The need to gather contextual information prior to the inspection required for the assessment of defects against acceptance/rejection criteria Back to Duty

K12: Health & safety and company-specific requirements, permits to work, inductions, risk assessments, safety passport, working at heights and in confined spaces, chemical handling, radiation safety, restricted zones (gas, nuclear and site radiography) and other requirements Back to Duty

K13: Project management processes and key points Back to Duty

K14: The consequences of failure and the risk to life and the environment. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Demonstrate the ability to manage areas of work that require the coordination and supervision of other staff, such as NDT Operators. Back to Duty

S2: Demonstrate NDT competencies relevant to the industry sector and appropriate materials using equipment, tools and processes Back to Duty

S3: The ability to carry out NDT in three methods, including at least one complex method, to appropriate national and international certification standards, such as BS EN ISO 9712 or BS EN 4179, that meet the requirements of Engineering Council EngTech registration Back to Duty

S4: Apply appropriate solutions to well-defined engineering problems using the chosen NDT methods Back to Duty

S5: Select appropriate methods and techniques and understand their limitations Back to Duty

S6: Supervise and project manage areas of work, to include where appropriate, NDT Operator’s work and reports for compliance and accuracy; achieve good time management Back to Duty

S7: Ability to conduct re-inspection audits of NDT Operator’s work, comparing and evaluating the results and taking appropriate action when necessary Back to Duty

S8: Implement quality control and quality assurance of NDT systems and performance Back to Duty

S9: Operate with good practical ability, including hand/eye coordination, in order to apply NDT Back to Duty

S10: Follow written procedures in order to demonstrate a disciplined approach Back to Duty

S11: Identify problems and apply appropriate NDT methods to identify causes and achieve satisfactory solutions and submit clear and precise NDT reports and instructions Back to Duty

S12: Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks, with consideration for cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact Back to Duty

S13: Interpret engineering/CAD drawings, particularly those related to weld/component configuration n. Manage a project through to completion Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Leadership – provide direction, implement plans, and motivate people Back to Duty

B2: Teamwork – to effectively manage a team and to support others where appropriate Back to Duty

B3: Courage – willing to make independent decisions and be respected and understood when doing so Back to Duty

B4: Delivery – to consistently manage activities / tasks through to timely completion Back to Duty

B5: Respect – have respect for the abilities of others, particularly those working under your direction Back to Duty

B6: Influence – have a positive impact and be able to proactively influence others in multiple contexts Back to Duty

B7: Compassion – have empathy for the predicaments of others, particularly junior staff Back to Duty

B8: Ethics – to act with maturity, honesty, integrity and responsibility Back to Duty

B9: Clear focus – avoid distractions and be a good communicator Back to Duty

B10: Environmental awareness – undertake safe working practices for self, others and the environment Back to Duty

B11: Personal responsibility – take responsibility as an individual and as a team member Back to Duty

T Level in engineering, manufacturing, processing and control​

Qualification type: T Level

Qualification level: 3

Awarding organisation: City & Guilds

Approval date: 04/11/2021

Available from: 01/09/2022

Occupational specialism: Fabrication and Welding Technologies

Product page

Aligned occupational standards

ST0851 Pipe welder

ST0607 Metal fabricator

ST0852 Plate welder

ST0288 Non-destructive testing engineering technician


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