NDT Career Guidance

[anez247]

Hello Guys.

I am an Engineering Graduate. I will like to get suggestions & as much detailed information as possible regarding the NDT career & industry.

A mate of my in the US previously told me of this NDT earlier in the year, how good it was and the pay as well, being on almost $85k in his first 11months. I dont expect this to be attainable in the UK at the moment or maybe I might be wrong.

I have saved up over the months and was thinking of doing MPI & DPI all to level II, then later UT or RAD. I already have BOSIET,MIST, Norwegian Chute, UKOOA & Norwegian Medicals. BUT PLS am not asking about just the Offshore NDT career,am looking at it Generally.

How possible is it for me to be an Integrity/ Inspection/ QA/QC Engineer in the long term?

I will like to get much information regarding the following pls:

1. What are my chance that I could be hired for the 6months I need to get the experience needed to be certified.

2. Are the jobs available mostly on Ad-hoc/ Project basis or full time positions with companies

3. Will I be paid during this work experience period , If so what is the range per hour..will it be the minimum wage ( 6.19)

4. When certified like how much does the person earn per hour...(range)

5. Is it worth it to invest such money in this career?

Any information you could give will be much appreciated.

[anonymous-user]

Ok my knowledge is a bit out of date but I was MD of a major ndt firm, at one time, I would not recommend it for a graduate, you should aim hire, look at metallurgy, corrosion, material engineers, ok money is good in ndt but hours are long, e.g radiology is done at nights, asnt courses can be done quickly by non graduates, I looked at ndt training for a major Asia fabrication yard a few years ago, and we decided not to look at graduates as they would not stay with us as ndt tecs but would move on

[anez247]

Thanks Berw for your comments, I plan to go towards Pipeline Integrity, or Inspection Engineer path when I have gotten years of experience and some core extra Qualifications and trainings.

Do you happen to know how the rates are for a fresh starter?

[anonymous-user]

No sorry I am currently on a pipeline in Borneo, Google ssgp, we only have 4 expats, haven't worked in the uk for 20years, look on expatengineer.net for jobs,

[anez247]

Thanks Berw, search result for SSGP on google shows a KPN-Gas Project, I guess thats the project you are on. I wouldn like to get some international exposure in the future probably NDT might offer me that.

[HonestIago]

I work in Asset Integrity for an International O&G Service Provider and I'd agree with what was said above. None of the NDT techs with us (that I've come across) are engineering grads. Engineering grads tend to take onshore roles and work up to Inspection Engineer level and THEN perhaps go offshore as an Offshore Inspection Engineer.

I'm a graduate but not of engineering (though currently doing a distance learning MechEng HNC) and am undecided on the best route forward (currently in a finance role). Offshore does hold a strong appeal though (put myself through BOSIET/MIST/Escape Chute last year) and I could probably get my NDT tickets through the company if I pushed hard enough and for long enough!

[anez247]

Thanks Honest for your comment, Do you think being an Engineering grad with some NDT Tickets to be a big asset in Integrity mgt?

Cos I said earlier I am looking into moving into that path or Inspection Eng Onshore or Offshore.

[anonymous-user]

Interesting that Honest I agrees with me, my knowledge may not be as outdated as I thought! I worked for a company (years ago) that was one of the first to use ASNT qualifcations, we did this because they were/are employeer specific and we had huge turnover of staff we trained to Cswip etc.
We were Midland bassed and we brought trainees into the factory to work on industrial NDT first, (we did NDT on things like Jag engine parts, castings etc), where they could work/train under supervision, before they went onto site work in the Oil Gas, Energy sector.

[HonestIago]

anez247 said:

Thanks Honest for your comment, Do you think being an Engineering grad with some NDT Tickets to be a big asset in Integrity mgt?

Cos I said earlier I am looking into moving into that path or Inspection Eng Onshore or Offshore.

I think it would be a help for sure. Having NDT tickets means you are more likely to get platform experience early on (even in an office-based role) as it means you can help out with inspection rather than just stand around. This is particularly true if the platforms your company are contracted to are tight for bed space. I've lost count of the number of office staff who have had their offshore trips cancelled for this reason.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[anez247]

Many Thanks guys for your replies, Sorry I couldnt reply faster as I had been in Aberdeen for the past two days for the Offshore Europe.

This was my first visit to the exhibition, I wasnt able to give out enough CV's as I had hoped but will definitely follow up some contacts I made.

HonestI I will keep you informed of my NDT Journey , just heard of the new Multi million pound contract CAN Group won. heard they will be needing an extra 120 Personnel to cover the project.

Berw, I will contact you in due course if I need a pointer or two as your knowledge seems solid.

Thanks again guys and please do drop in and post anymore information you might feel will be of importance to me.

[HonestIago]

anez247 said:

Many Thanks guys for your replies, Sorry I couldnt reply faster as I had been in Aberdeen for the past two days for the Offshore Europe.

This was my first visit to the exhibition, I wasnt able to give out enough CV's as I had hoped but will definitely follow up some contacts I made.

HonestI I will keep you informed of my NDT Journey , just heard of the new Multi million pound contract CAN Group won. heard they will be needing an extra 120 Personnel to cover the project.

Berw, I will contact you in due course if I need a pointer or two as your knowledge seems solid.

Thanks again guys and please do drop in and post anymore information you might feel will be of importance to me.

How was Offshore Europe? I never made it along...couldn't face the traffic!

[anez247]

It was a good experience, yes the traffic was terrible but I saw some O&G equips like ROV's which was bigger than I thought.

[anez247]

Hello Guys.

I have just completed my PCN II training in MPI & DPI. I am currently looking for positions onshore in any Fabrication or Weld shops. Will really appreciate if anyone could give me any pointers or assistance.

Thanks all