TWI and Skills Training UK 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.’