The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) is ramping up its outreach efforts to promote careers in non-destructive testing (NDT), condition monitoring (CM), and structural health monitoring (SHM) to young professionals across the UK. Following the recruitment of an Outreach Coordinator in 2024, BINDT has expanded its participation in nationwide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) events, with the support of a passionate team of STEM volunteers.
BINDT recently took part in a series of National Apprenticeship and Education Events across the UK, providing students, educators, and industry representatives with an exciting opportunity to explore the diverse career prospects in NDT, CM, and SHM. The outreach events aim to spark interest in these vital fields and showcase how they contribute to safety and efficiency in various industries.
At the North East event held at the Newcastle Civic Centre, BINDT Outreach Coordinator Rebecca Mulholland was joined by Peter Fairley from Gilligan Engineering Services, who presented a demonstration of dummy gamma ray equipment. The demonstration captivated the students, who were eager to learn about the real-world applications of gamma ray technology.
“Seeing their excitement as they made connections between the demonstration and the potential careers available to them was incredibly fulfilling. Moments like these remind us why STEM outreach is so important: by sparking curiosity, we can open doors to future careers in industries that many students may not have previously considered,” said Rebecca Mulholland.
In Cardiff, at the South West event held at Cardiff City Stadium, Chris Minton from the South West School of NDT brought along a conventional ultrasonic testing (UT) set with carbon fibre test-blocks. The students had the opportunity to interact with the technology firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding of the practical applications of NDT.
Rebecca added, “Watching their faces light up as they handled equipment and saw real-world applications of concepts was inspiring. These hands-on experiences are crucial in making career pathways feel tangible and accessible, bridging the gap between education and industry.”
The North West event at Salford Community Stadium also drew strong participation, with BINDT member and STEM volunteer Roy Thiis introducing students to an ultrasonic flaw detector. Students were given the opportunity to detect flaws on steel blocks, helping them engage with the technology in a meaningful way.
The events in Newcastle, Cardiff, and Salford revealed the enthusiasm and curiosity of students eager to learn about industries they might not have previously encountered. For many, the exposure to NDT, CM, and SHM sparked an interest in these crucial fields, reinforcing the importance of direct industry engagement in career education.
“Through continued collaboration, engagement and education we can ensure that non-destructive testing, condition monitoring and structural health monitoring remain vibrant industries with a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. BINDT looks forward to attending more events, meeting more enthusiastic students and seeing the impact they will have on the future of the industry,” concluded Rebecca Mulholland.
The success of these outreach events would not be possible without the dedicated professionals who generously share their time, expertise, and equipment. Their involvement plays a critical role in attracting new talent to the industry, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in NDT, CM, and SHM. BINDT remains committed to inspiring young minds and shaping the future of these industries.
