Q&A with QC Inspector, Witold Darkowicz

Witold Darkowicz, who works at Paint Inspections and Advisory, recently took the course for CSWIP Welding Inspector Package (May) in the Netherlands after a recommendation from our agent, Demko Tol.

We spoke to Witold about his experience of the training and how it will help him in his work.

Witold began by telling us a bit about himself and his work as a freelance QC inspector, serving multiple customers across various fields of heavy industry. His duties vary according to the project, although he revealed that his first specialisation is advising on coatings, including visual inspections of metal finishing, also known as steel dressing. Presently, he is working as Coating and Insulation QC where he witnesses welding inspections as well as acting as a document controller. When speaking about documentation, besides his regular reporting, Witold explained that he used to be involved in creating ITPs for application companies and TDSs for a manufacturer of Proterium Premium Products.

When asked about work-life balance, Witold said, “Work gives us a purpose. I often tend to say that it is my privilege to work, and I am very thankful that I am in such a luxurious position, which is being able to work.” He went on further to say that security, a decent income, and the widening of his social networks are just some of many benefits of being active professionally. He also believes that work contributes to improving your physical, mental, spiritual, and financial wellbeing.

Witold first attended his CSWIP 3.0 Level 1 Visual Welding Inspector course organised by The Welding Institute in Cambridge, UK, before later attending the CSWIP 3.1 Level 2 Welding Inspector course as organised by DT Welding Consultancy for TWI in the Netherlands.

Talking about taking the specific versions of the courses, he said that, when we don't gain new knowledge, increase our competences, or master the existing ones, we not only stay in one place but actually go in reverse. Witold elaborated that he was always very intrigued by welding while working as a paint inspector. He revealed that he always wanted to deepen his knowledge in this particular field, noting, ‘‘I would also like to serve my customers better, with a wider range of activities that I can perform.”

Witold continued, “The course content is quite extensive though, I am aware that knowledge about welding and all related topics can go much deeper. Once I booked the course, I gained access to e-learning, a new version of the course notes and the support of an exceptional tutor Mr. Mike Jamieson,” adding, “The materials are very well prepared, easy to read and understand, and all of the information was given in a clear and structured manner.”

Witold highlighted that the stationary part of the course was extraordinary, explaining that this was in no small part due to the exceptional dedication of his lecturer Mr Mike Jamieson and the spotless organisation of the course by DT Welding Consultancy. He told how the course took place in a conference room of a high standard hotel which belongs to Van der Valk Hotels and Restaurants chain, located in the vicinity of A9 highway and less than 30 minutes away from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. It provided plenty of parking space including possibility of charging electric vehicles and he found the food and service to be top-notch.

Witold revealed, “I enjoyed the atmosphere a lot during the course at the Van Der Valk Hotel in Akersloot. The participants were partly local and partly arrived from various locations abroad,” adding, “We were absorbing great amounts of knowledge and information but also having loads of fun, and that’s how I like it.”

He continued, “I currently attend to an MBA programme which is called the Executive Offshore Wind MBA and organised by the Maritime University in Gdynia, Poland. It is possible to combine it with work due to the positive mindset and helpful approach of my manager. I would also like to certify myself as an insulation inspector and already found a possibility to attend a Frosio Insulation Course this October this year.”

As for his thoughts on TWI, Witold said, “TWI is one-of-a-kind organisation, delivering most wanted certification to Welding Inspectors. TWI’s respected worldwide CSWIP certifications will help you grow professionally, broaden your knowledge and give you a chance to meet new colleagues,” concluding, “Booking a course with TWI is always the right decision.”