TWI to produce the next generation of NDT Engineers

TWI is delighted to announce its partnership with Skills Training UK to provide training for the new Non-Destructive Testing Apprenticeship programme, these include Level 2 NDT Operator and Level 3 NDT Engineering Technician.

As well as the skills and experience offered through the Apprenticeships, learners who complete their training will also receive an internationally recognised Level 2 CSWIP or PCN certification provided by TWI Certification Ltd.

In addition to standard classroom-based courses, TWI’s unique selling point of being able to provide an online learning platform is well suited to the apprenticeship syllabus of learning. TWI’s Member companies will also provide a solid industry base to promote these apprenticeships.

While an academic route will require many people to build up debt to obtain a degree, the cost of an apprenticeship is covered by an employer’s apprenticeship levy.

Smaller to medium businesses can also take advantage by only being asked to cover 10% of the costs, while those larger companies who have already spent their apprenticeship levy funds will also be asked to pay just 10%. If the apprentice is 16-18 years of age then all the NDT apprenticeship standards would be 100% funded by the government.

By taking away the concerns over cost, these apprenticeships provide social mobility for apprentices while ensuring that the next generation of NDT specialists have the appropriate skills desired by employers.

Stephen Crawley of Skills Training UK made particular note of how the apprenticeship schemes have been designed by employers, keeping them relevant while providing an opportunity to move industry forward.

Stephen said, ‘We are excited to announce our partnership with TWI who will be at the forefront of delivery for our NDT Apprenticeships. Since launching our NDT Apprenticeships six-months ago, we have had significant industry interest, which has led to over 70 Apprentice starts in a range of sectors from aerospace and automotive through to utilities and manufacturing. We know from our work within the sector that the NDT community has an ageing workforce and that there is a growing skills gap. Our partnership with TWI will hopefully go some way to address that and deliver training of the highest possible standard.’

Chris Eady of TWI Certification Ltd revealed that he was ‘delighted to support the NDT apprenticeships with an internationally recognised CSWIP certification.’
 
The new apprenticeships are already attracting employers in industries ranging from aerospace to motor sport, while some 70 apprentices have already joined the programme, with the first coming on board in September 2017. TWI itself currently has one NDT apprentice, although with the official launch of the NDT apprenticeship programme this number should also rise over the coming months. 

Speaking on the apprenticeships, TWI’s associate director of global training and technical services, Shervin Maleki said, ‘As an organisation and as part of our corporate social responsibility mission, we are committed to contributing towards individual career development and the opening up of opportunities at all age levels. The new NDT apprenticeship agreement with Skills Training UK provides a great platform for those who dream to pursue their future career path in this field.’

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