Unless you work in an industrial setting you might not know careers in this lucrative industry exist.  

But a pilot course aimed at raising awareness of careers in non-destructive testing (NDT) has delivered job success for three new recruits.

Thomas, Tom B and Tom R, all walked away with job offers following the four-week programme at Redcar and Cleveland College.

Putting the spotlight on this often-overlooked sector, the college worked with employers, WSG Eagle Eye Integrity Specialists and The Welding Institute, to create the opportunity to motivate potential future talent.

“The idea, for us, was to get more people in the area trained up to the entry-standard we want,” said WSG Eagle Eye’s operations manager, Ross Davison.  Those people, he explained, could then not only feed into their business but also the region’s wider industry.

Ross said: “Non-destructive testing can be a lucrative industrial area, but unless you work in an industrial setting, or have family or friends that do, many people won’t even know what it is, which, in turn, can lead to skills shortages.”

He explained: “As a growing business we want to develop and build our own talent and then see those people progressing through the ranks.”

The bespoke employer-led programme with Redcar and Cleveland College was funded by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority’s devolved Adult Education Budget.  It offered an introduction to NDT, as well as the essential tickets needed to get the learners ready to work on-site, such as working at heights, in confined spaces, and health and safety.

In their new roles Thomas, Tom and Tom, will now undergo lengthy and extensive training. 

Ross said: “There are lots of opportunities in the field, it is just down to the individual and how far they want to push themselves.”

Looking forward to the opportunities ahead, Thomas, 20, of Billingham, said: “There is a lot to it, the training is intense, but I am glad that I have done it.  Rather than being in and out of labouring jobs, this for me, is a chance to build a career.”

Tom B, 20, from Hartlepool, said: “My brother works in the industry so I knew it could offer the chance to travel.”

Tom R, 18, from Middlesbrough, added: “At the beginning of the year I was labouring, and now I am doing this.  It is a big change, but I am looking forward to it.”

Redcar and Cleveland College’s engineering lecturer, Ged Mcgurk, explained: “The bespoke NDT Academy was set up to give an insight into what the industry is all about, to develop employability skills and get those all-important tickets.  It is fantastic to see three of our academy learners going straight into what promises to be a meaningful career.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is yet another way our devolved adult education budget is working for the good of our local people and businesses.  It’s being used to give people the skills they need to succeed, as well as to highlight these fantastic opportunities so workers can get a leg-up in securing good-quality careers right here, right now.”