Contents
Contents
Apprenticeship summary
Overview of the role
Perform non-destructive technologies testing methods on assets and materials to verify their integrity.
Occupation summary
This occupation is found across the engineering sector including aerospace, motorsport, power generation and distribution, manufacturing, railways, automotive, oil and gas (on and offshore), marine and construction. Employers vary in size from small to large. Non-destructive technology (NDT) is an engineering, science-based profession. NDT involves non-intrusive measurement or inspection of assets including plant, machines, materials, welds and components, to verify their integrity.
NDT contributes to sustainability and reduces environmental impact. NDT reports, and data feedback can improve an items’ design, assuring it is manufactured without unacceptable flaws. When in service, NDT assures that items are not fractured or degraded to unacceptable levels. NDT identifies optimum operating conditions and predict remaining useful life of in-service plant. NDT can lower manufacturing costs, by reducing waste and using less materials. A component’s life in service can be safely extended by NDT, benefitting the environment.
NDT technicians work in sites where NDT takes place. This includes airports, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, civil engineering, water and gas distribution, refineries and nuclear power plants.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure the asset is fit for purpose. NDT Technicians organise and co-ordinate the NDT activity. They test equipment, establish resources needed and assess the asset’s condition. They collect samples, conduct NDT tests and analyse the outputs. NDT technicians’ complete documentation, write reports and also coach and support other team members.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other NDT engineering technicians and NDT operatives. They also interact with external customers and auditors. They typically report to an NDT Engineer or Operations Director.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for completing their duties in line with organisation procedures and standards. They must comply with health and safety, environmental, sustainability, and engineering regulations and guidance including specific NDT requirements. Where applicable, they may have to wear personal protective equipment and follow workplace safety rules such as safely handling hazardous materials. They work under limited direct supervision, ensuring the quality and accuracy of their own work and the work of others. They must ensure work is completed safely within agreed timescales, and within budgets. They must work professionally and in an ethical manner.
Typical job titles include:
Condition monitoring (cm) technologist
Condition monitoring (cm) tester
Non-destructive technology (ndt) inspector
Non-destructive technology (ndt) technician
Non-destructive technology (ndt) technologist
Non-destructive technology (ndt) tester
Quality engineer
Radiographer
Radiographic interpreter
Reliability technician
Welding inspector
End-point assessment summary
ST0288, non-destructive technologies technician level 3
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
What is an end-point assessment and why it happens
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
This apprenticeship has a mandatory qualification to complete. You will complete the training for the qualification during the first 24 months of the apprenticeship. The final assessment for the qualification is integrated in the apprenticeship. This means that it will take place in the EPA period and count towards both the apprenticeship and the qualification.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 2 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
- fail
- pass
- distinction
When you pass all assessment methods for the EPA, you will be eligible for your qualification certificate and will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
EPA gateway
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
- achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
- for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence
- have passed two of the following PCN or CSWIP or EN 4179 level 2 non-complex non-destructive technologies qualifications:
For the non-destructive technologies technician, the qualifications required are:
Level 2 NDT Dye penetrant testing (non-complex) or
Level 2 NDT in Magnetic particle inspection (non-complex) or
Level 2 NDT Visual testing (non-complex) or
PCN or CSWIP level 2 Welding inspector (non-complex) or
PCN level 2 CM Vibration analysis Cat 2 (non-complex) or
PCN level 2 CM Ultrasound Cat 2 (non-complex)
Assessment methods
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 75 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Level 2 complex non-destructive technologies qualification
This is an integrated assessment method. This integrated assessment method forms part of the apprenticeship’s EPA as well as the awarding of the qualification.
The KSBs aligned to this integrated assessment method will be assessed and graded by the awarding body and contribute to the overall outcome of the apprenticeship and the passing of one of the following PCN or CSWIP or EN 4179 level 2 complex non-destructive technologies qualifications only:
- Level 2 NDT Eddy current testing (complex) or
- Level 2 NDT Infra-red thermographic testing (complex) or
- Level 2 NDT Radiographic testing (complex) or
- Level 2 NDT Ultrasonic testing (complex) or
- Level 2 NDT Ultrasonic phased array testing (complex) or
- Level 2 NDT Ultrasonic time of flight diffraction testing (complex) or
- Level 2 NDT Alternating current field measurement (ACFM) (complex) or
- PCN level 2 CM Lubrication management and analysis (Laboratory) (complex) or
- PCN level 2 CM Lubrication management and analysis (Field) or
- PCN level 2 CM Acoustic emission Cat 2 (complex) or
- PCN level 2 CM Infra-red thermography Cat 2 (complex)
Who to contact for help or more information
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
Professional recognition
This apprenticeship aligns with British Institute for Non- Destructive Testing is licensed by the Engineering Council for registration for Engineering Technician (EngTech)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
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