Table of Content
- Challenges Faced by Women in NDT Careers
- Women's Success Stories in NDT
- Training and salary ranges for NDT careers
- Key Takeaways
Women have played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). From pioneers like Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking research in radioactivity earned her two Nobel Prizes, to modern-day trailblazers breaking barriers in fields once dominated by men, women have continuously contributed to the advancement of human knowledge and innovation.
NDT stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of diverse minds within STEM disciplines. NDT serves as a critical pillar in ensuring the safety and reliability of structures, products, and materials without causing damage. Through methods such as Ultrasonic Testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), magnetic particle testing (MT), and others, NDT Professionals can detect defects, flaws, and irregularities that could compromise the performance or safety of components across a wide range of industries.
What are the challenges faced by women in NDT careers?
Historically, women have encountered significant hurdles in entering and advancing within engineering and related STEM fields, including NDT. The underrepresentation of Women in NDT can be traced back to limited opportunities for women to pursue STEM education and training, perpetuating a cycle of gender disparity in the field.
By addressing these issues, the NDT industry can harness the full potential of its female workforce, driving innovation and excellence in non-destructive testing for years to come.
- Limited opportunities for women to pursue STEM education and training perpetuate gender disparity in NDT.
- Biases and stereotypes regarding women's technical abilities and suitability for NDT work persist in the workplace.
- Work-life balance is challenging for female NDT Technicians due to demanding schedules and limited access to flexible work arrangements.
- Initiatives to improve access to NDT education and training for women are essential for promoting gender diversity in the field.
- Creating an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and supports work-life balance is crucial for retaining and advancing female talent in NDT.
Read More: Challenges Faced by Women in NDT and How to Overcome Them
How do Women's Success Stories in NDT drive positive change?
In the field of NDT, women have made significant strides, breaking barriers and achieving notable success. Their expertise, innovation, and dedication have reshaped the industry, driving advancements in safety, reliability, and efficiency. From leading NDT Inspection projects to spearheading research and development initiatives, women in NDT continue to make their mark, inspiring future generations of professionals.
Here are some examples of notable women who have excelled in various roles within the NDT sector:
1. Jackie Berry-
Jackie has been in the NDT Industry for just over 20 years. Gaining knowledge in TOFD, Phased Array, MFL, and basic UT instruments. Just over 5 years ago, she joined GUL, adding Guided Wave Testing and Monitoring to her portfolio. Her primary responsibility is to manage and expand the Global Distributor Network, while increasing awareness of Guided Wave technology, through GUL’s social media.
2. Marybeth Miceli:
Marybeth is the Director of the Global Business Development and Consulting Division for Metal Fatigue Solutions. She owned and operated the consulting firm Miceli Infrastructure Consulting (MIC), Los Angeles, CA, for six years and is also a co-founder of the We-NDT Marketing Network (NV). Marybeth has 20 years of experience in non-destructive evaluation and testing and is a materials science engineer with a background in civil infrastructure, technology transfer, failure analysis, quality assurance, advanced sensors and structural monitoring.
3. Rebecca Rudolph:
Rebecca Rudolph is a general manager at North Star Imaging. Experienced Sales and Business Development Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the nondestructive testing, x-ray technology, and manufacturing industry. Skilled in Materials Science, X-ray, Sales, Computed Tomography, and Digital Imaging, alumni of the Stanford Graduate School of Business with a B.A. in Geology from Oberlin College.
4. Veronique Chayer:
Veronique Chayer is a strategic communications and marketing expert with a diverse background. She currently serves as the Director of Strategic Communications & External Relations at Previan, overseeing branding alignment, managing external relationships, and enhancing brand recognition. Prior to this, she led marketing at Eddyfi Technologies, where she navigated global growth, acquisitions, and mergers. Before that, she worked as a Strategic Manager at Rouillier Stratégie Marketing, where she developed and implemented communication strategies. Chayer's strategic mindset, leadership acumen, and dedication to excellence have contributed to the success of various organisations.
5. Garra Liming:
Garra Liming is a Director of Marketing and Communication at The ASNT, bringing experience from previous roles at The American Society for Nondestructive Testing and Pivot. Garra Liming holds a 1993 - 1997 Marketing @ Ohio University.
6. Corinna Cuciureanu
Corinna Cuciureanu is a Marketing and Communications Manager at ETher NDT. Working in the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Engineering sector for over 20 years, with experience in ultrasonics, eddy current, MPI, and ACFM markets, and manufacturers. Alongside I currently hold the role of Chair of the British Institute of NDT's Trade & Industry Executive Committee.
7. Kimberly Hayes:
Kimberley Hayes has been heavily involved in the nondestructive testing industry for the past 25 years. She recently founded Valkim Technologies, which executes contract work for start-up robotic inspection companies and cultivates strategic initiatives supporting market research and new product development.
8. Colombe Dalpé:
Colombe Dalpé operations at Eddyfi’s European offices in France. She is rich with a rewarding career in mechanical engineering, which has taken her through the Transmission Line Mechanics Research Group (GREMCA) at Laval University, R/D Tech, and Zetec. She excels at project management, robotics, and sales. She held the position of Zetec’ssales director in Europe and South Africa for several years.
9. Stacey Cotie:
Stacy Cotie is in a senior management position at one of the largest NDE companies in the world, Acuren, Inc. As the Director of Account Management, she is tasked with leading the account management team, which acts as the point of contact between the company and clients to help solve problems and achieve business goals.
These women exemplify excellence and leadership in their respective roles, contributing to the advancement and success of the Non-destructive Testing (NDT) industry. Their dedication and achievements serve as inspiration for countless others aspiring to carve their paths in NDT Careers. While these notable women represent a diverse range of roles and accomplishments within the field, there are many more hardworking and talented women who are too numerous to list individually but who play integral roles in driving NDE Innovation and progress in NDT.
How important are training and salary ranges for NDT Careers?
Entering the field of NDT often begins with pursuing specialised training programmes designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in this field. Many aspiring NDT Professionals opt for certification programs offered by reputable institutions or organisations such as the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT).
These programs typically cover a range of NDT Methods, including ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), Magnetic particle testing (MT), and Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), among others. Additionally, apprenticeships provide valuable hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced NDT Technicians, allowing trainees to gain practical skills while earning a qualification.
1. Certification programs offered by organisations like BINDT cover various NDT methods, including UT, RT, MT, and PT.
2. Training often includes ultrasonic testing, Radiographic Testing, magnetic particle testing, and liquid penetrant testing.
3. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and guidance from experienced NDT technicians.
Also Read: 5 Must-have Certifications for Every NDT Technician
As for salary ranges in NDT Careers, they can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, certification level, and industry sector. Entry-level NDT Technicians may start with salaries ranging from $25,000 to $35,000 per year, with opportunities for advancement and higher earnings as they gain experience and additional certifications. Experienced NDT Inspectors and engineers with specialised expertise or leadership roles can command salaries upwards of $50,000 to $80,000 or more, particularly in sectors such as aerospace, oil and gas, and nuclear power.
Initiatives such as Women in NDT Mentorship programs and targeted recruitment efforts aim to promote gender equality and support the advancement of women in the field.
- Entry-level NDT Technicians may start with salaries ranging from $25,000 to $35,000 per year.
- Experienced NDT Inspectors and engineers can command salaries upwards of $50,000 to $80,000 or more.
- Salaries for women in NDT Careers are generally competitive, with initiatives like Women in NDT Mentorship supporting gender equality.
Pursuing a Career in NDT offers opportunities for individuals to receive specialised training and develop valuable skills while earning competitive salaries across various industries. With initiatives focused on promoting diversity and inclusion, such as NDT Education for Women and Women in NDT Training, the NDT workplace continues to evolve, providing pathways for women to thrive in rewarding and fulfilling careers.
Key Takeaways
- Women in NDT demonstrate resilience and leadership, inspiring others to pursue careers in the field with confidence.
- Diversity fuels Innovation in NDE/ NDT, with varied perspectives leading to creative problem-solving and breakthrough discoveries.
- Sustained efforts are needed to support and promote women in NDT Careers, ensuring gender equality and equity in the field.
