NDT Jobs are all around you!

There are many NDT jobs available, if you know where to look.

As we’ve mentioned before, the NDT Industry is an industry that serves other industries. So, broaden your thought process when starting your job search.

Our Main Campus for NDT Training and Testing Center is located in Houston, Texas. Therefore, many people who complete our classes are familiar with how NDT Methods are used in the Oil and Gas Industry. But, if you think that’s the only place to find a job, you’re thinking too narrow!

Non-Destructive Testing is used in a variety of industries. Here is a short list.

• Amusement Parks and Rides
• Automotive Manufacturing – think transmissions, motor mounts, suspension components, brake components, etc.
• Aviation Maintenance & Repair
• Aviation Parts Manufacturing
• Boat/Ship Construction and Maintenance
• Boiler Vessels Manufacturing and Maintenance
• Bridges, Roads, etc.
• Chemical Processing Plants
• Construction Industry
• Crane Components and Maintenance
• Engineering Industry
• Equipment Maintenance for manufacturing facilities. In addition to the end product, the manufacturing equipment must be inspected as well.
• Fabrication Shops
• Military Weapons Systems – Submarines, Aircraft, Ships, etc.
• Mining Industry
• Oil and Gas Production – drilling equipment, drilling tools, offshore platforms, tanks, onshore production facilities
• Paper Mills
• Pharmaceutical Drug Manufacturing – Tanks and other manufacturing components need inspection
• Pipeline Industry
• Plastics and Resin Manufacturing and Maintenance
• Power Plants and Energy Generation Facilities
• Refineries
• Welding
• Wind and Solar Industry

Get the idea? The NDT Industry is wide-spread, with plenty of opportunities for those who have these specialized skills!

So, you’ve completed your NDT Training and you’re looking for your first job in the industry. Where should you start?

The answer is, IT DEPENDS!

Here are a few questions to consider:

1. Have you thought about what segment of the industry you want to explore?
2. Do you want to work in an in-house NDT Department situation or would you prefer working out in the field for an inspection company with a variety of clients?
3. Do you know anyone in the industry that could provide a “foot in the door” for you? (This is a common way that people find NDT Jobs.)

NDT Jobs – The First Hurdle

In a previous segment, we discussed the first hurdle you will encounter when searching for your first NDT job. YOU DON’T HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE OR OJT!

“Well of course I don’t, I just finished my training!” “How can I get experience or OJT hours if no one will hire me?”

That is the question most people ask who are involved in any kind of skilled trade. How can I get experience if no one will give me a chance? That is one of the reasons that knowing someone in the industry is such a common way for people to enter the NDT industry.

But, before you lose hope or get discouraged, let’s take a closer look at some of your options.

NDT Training Helps

You have a great advantage if you have completed NDT Training prior to applying for NDT jobs. You already have the basic knowledge that you need in order to understand the hands-on applications that you will be asked to perform. You’ve also shown a commitment to the industry and saved the company some time and money on training. Things are looking up! You have a good foundation. Start applying for jobs.

Larger Companies have ongoing opportunities for NDT JOBS

Most of the larger NDT Inspection companies have a consistent need for entry level technicians. Many of them are looking for people just like you. Call their HR Department to find out about their job openings and requirements. Simply ask.

Here’s a Tip:

You don’t have to be hired on a full-time basis in order to earn OJT Hours.

Many companies that work turnarounds or shutdowns at refineries and similar facilities hire part-time helpers during the turnaround.

During the turnarounds, they hire additional Level II Technicians to get the job done as quickly as they can. In addition to the Level II Technicians, they hire entry level personnel (Trainees) to work alongside the Level II’s. This is one way to get your foot in the door with the larger companies.

Working as a helper allows you to earn OJT Hours even though you are not a full-time employee. Keep the documentation of those hours. As your hours accumulate, you are  closer to meeting the qualification requirement for OJT hours. Once you have that documentation, companies are more likely to hire you, verify your qualifications, and certify you as a technician in their company.

Do a good job. People will notice. Then, part-time positions often turn into full-time positions.

Be Persistent!

Let’s answer another question that we hear often – “Am I guaranteed a job once I finish my training?”

NO!

NDT Jobs are not guaranteed. As a matter of fact, there are no guarantees of employment for anyone, in ANY industry. High School Diplomas do not guarantee employment. College Degrees do not guarantee employment. Therefore, Trade Schools, Technical Schools, and NDT Training Schools can’t and don’t guarantee employment either.

You will have to search out the NDT Jobs that are available, interview well, and do a good job in order to work in this industry. Look at it this way, at first, YOUR JOB IS TO FIND A JOB!

Some people get discouraged if they don’t get hired right away. Don’t let that be you!!

In order to succeed in life, you have to keep going. You have to show some discipline and persistence in order to achieve your goals. No one said it was going to be easy. Instead, most things in life that bring great reward, take work. Don’t give up or throw in the towel too soon!

We Help Our Students

But, you shouldn’t have to figure it all out on your own. Understand, you have to do the work, but everyone needs a little help from time to time. We can help.

While we can’t guarantee you a job, we certainly do guarantee that we are willing to help you get the word out about your newly learned NDT Skills.

Our founders, instructors, and office personnel are here to help you succeed in the NDT Industry. Therefore, you are not alone. Once you’ve completed your training, send us your resume. We’ll look it over, make suggestions if necessary, and share it with companies that might be a good fit for your career.

The more people you send your resume to, the better chance you have of landing a good job.

The NDT Training Center Advantage

We have a bit of an advantage. We are proud to have a long (over 40 year) track record in the NDT Business and NDT Training Industry, with contacts throughout the industry. Our relationships extend through dozens of NDT companies, in a variety of industries, across the country. Our Level III Services clients are involved in most of the industry segments listed above, so you will have opportunities in a variety of industry segments.

We are glad to share your achievements, and your resume, with companies that are looking for entry level technicians. 

We provide an NDT Jobs Board for our students and NDT Level III Clients. Companies can post their jobs and you can post your credentials, in order to try to make a good match. We’ll do our part to help you make contacts, but the rest is up to you! WE KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!!

Hundreds of students have come through our doors who are now working in the NDT Industry as technicians, managers and supervisors! We’ve even trained some of our competitors!

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

So, now you understand the basics of what this industry requires. You are ready to take the next step. BEGIN YOUR NDT TRAINING!

“But, where do I start? What courses should I take? What’s the difference between what I would learn in class or in the online courses? How much does it cost and how long does it last?”

All good questions! CLICK HERE TO GET THE ANSWERS AND START YOUR FUTURE