Non-destructive testing engineer (degree)
Level 6 · DegreeEngineering and manufacturing 4 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Non-destructive testing engineers lead NDT inspection programmes and develop testing solutions for complex structures in aerospace, nuclear, power generation, and civil infrastructure. This integrated degree apprenticeship qualifies engineers to Level 3 PCN/EN4179 and to degree level. Graduates design inspection regimes, interpret results, and provide technical assurance to clients and regulators.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced NDT methods and their underpinning physics
Engineering materials, fracture mechanics, and defect assessment
Standards including ASME, AWS, and EN standards for NDT
Data analysis, probability of detection, and reliability
Inspection procedure development and validation
Project management and technical report writing
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Design and validate NDT inspection procedures for critical components
Perform and oversee high-level NDT inspections
Interpret complex inspection data and assess fitness for service
Write formal technical reports for clients and regulators
Develop and train NDT operators and technicians
Contribute to research and development of new NDT techniques
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.