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based, and students can apply what they’ve learned
to a broad range of industries, from structural
steel to pipelines. After completing the requisite
classroom hours, students complete 1,000+ hours
of supervised, industry-specific fieldwork, unique
to their area of NDE focus.
So far, there’s no single, permanent way to
create a pool of trained, qualified NDE technicians,
but there have been some promising developments.
Many colleges and technical schools currently offer
two-year programs focused on NDE training. In
addition, the industry has started to reach out to
college graduates with new certification programs
that reduce the training hours required for trainees
with four-year degrees in engineering or science.
Pipeline service companies are also finding
creative ways to build a larger pool of available
NDE technicians: Some are pulling technicians
from other departments or even other industries.
Because there is a common knowledge base for
non-destructive technology (NDT), a technician
with years of experience in aerospace, for example,
can transition to pipelines.
What’s more, many NDE companies –
companies that haven’t previously worked with
pipelines – have started to expand their service
offerings beyond structural steel or refineries to
include pipeline integrity.
Others in the industry are creating entirely
new solutions. Kenny Greene, a Level 3 NDE
technician in Arizona, recently started a pipeline-
specific training program that helps students
earn field hours in internship-like arrangements
with partner companies. The program, called
“WAR2IN” (“Warrior to Inspector”) is aimed at
former military personnel. If successful, this type of
specialized training may become more common.
The industry is still adapting to the growing
demand for NDE technicians. It’s a challenge, to
be sure – but one thing is clear: There’s no shortage
of creative ideas that will help draw qualified,
talented technicians to the field and help operators
ensure that their pipelines are operating safely and
effectively.
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I N N O V AT I O N S • V O L . V I I I , N O. 1 • 2 0 1 6
LEVEL
1
T E C H N I C I A N S
have typically completed all
required classroom training and are
gaining field experience by filling
apprentice-like roles under the
guidance of a Level 2 supervisor.
A Level 1 technician can collect
data, but cannot interpret or report
that data.
LEVEL
2
T E C H N I C I A N S
have completed all classroom/formal
training and all supervised field
training. Technicians at this level can
collect, interpret, and report on NDE
data. They also serve as mentors and
supervisors to Level 1 technicians
completing field hours.
EXPERT PROGRESSION
LEVEL
3
T E C H N I C I A N S
are typically responsible for certifying
Level 1 and 2 technicians within their
companies. Technicians at this level
hold certification through an outside
organization. In the United States,
for example, Level 3 technicians are
certified by the American Society for
Nondestructive Testing (ASNT).
CERTIFY
CERTIFY
MENTOR