Inspector, Welding Inspector, Physical Sciences Technician/Technologist
Interest in precision working to set up and calibrate nondestructive testing equipment, and to conduct tests to ensure quality and detect defects; may perform specialized inspections using acoustic emission, vibration analysis, infrared thermography and laser shearography testing methods
Interest in analyzing information to interpret radiographs, readouts, meters and visual indicators and to evaluate test results
Interest in speaking to organize and report test results; and in applying testing criteria according to specifications and standards; may instruct and supervise trainees
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is used to inspect or measure the integrity of a material, component or structure without damaging it. The purpose of testing may be to ensure safety and quality, increase production or extend the life of equipment and system components. For example, NDT may be used to test aircraft skins, underground pipelines, pipes in industrial plants, reinforcing steel in concrete structures, pressure vessels, wire ropes in suspension bridges, steel wheels on trains or finished machine parts.
Non-destructive testing technicians may be certified in any or all of the following types of tests:
Duties vary depending on the type of test but, in general, NDT technicians:
They also may:
Welding inspectors:
Working conditions vary considerably from one industry and organization to another. Non-destructive testing technicians may work primarily indoors in manufacturing or processing plants, or outdoors on construction sites in all weather conditions. They may work shifts and overtime often is required to complete testing as quickly as possible during plant shutdowns. Those employed by inspection service companies travel to locations throughout Alberta and across provinces and may be away from home for extended periods. International travel may also be required.
Occupational hazards also vary. There is some risk of injury involved in working on construction sites and in manufacturing plants. Accidental exposure to radiation is a hazard for non-destructive testing technicians who conduct radiographic tests.
Non-destructive testing technicians need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy performing tasks that require precision, analyzing and interpreting data, and taking a methodical approach to their work.
In Canada, non-destructive testing technicians must be certified to conduct eddy current, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiography or ultrasonics tests. Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates who have related post-secondary education or training as well as the certification required for the types of test they conduct.
There are three levels of Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) certification for non-destructive testing:
NDT technicians who conduct tests involving radioactive isotopes must be certified by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. To become a Certified Exposure Device Operator, applicants must complete or have qualifications equivalent to successful completion of the following:
The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) offers three levels of certification for Welding Inspectors progressing from Level 1 to Level 3. Candidates must have job related experience or have completed recognized welding courses, and pass closed book, open book and practical exams. Educational courses are not mandatory for certification. However, candidates who successfully complete CWB Learning Centre study courses receive credits for exams.
The CWB also offers three levels of Metal Products Inspector certification for those involved in verifying, qualifying, quantifying and other aspects of products such as buildings, bridges, pipelines, pressure vessels and machinery. Candidates must have related education and practical experience in each Product Endorsement for which they wish to be certified.
The American Petroleum Institute offers boiler and pressure vessel, process piping and aboveground storage tank inspector certifications. Applicants must successfully complete an exam for each type of certificate.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Non-destructive testing technicians are employed by private industrial inspection companies and in the quality control, maintenance and safety departments of:
Experienced NDT technicians who have Level 2 certification may advance to supervisory positions. Those with Level 3 certification may further move into research and development positions or establish their own service companies.
Non-destructive testing technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2261: Non-Destructive testers and inspectors. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 3,400 Albertans are employed in the Non-Destructive testers and inspectors occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.2% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 41 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As nond-destructive testing technicians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for non-destructive testing technicians.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.11 | $47.95 | $31.89 | $32.61 |
| Overall | $19.05 | $75.00 | $40.36 | $37.57 |
| Top | $19.05 | $110.00 | $49.73 | $42.71 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) website: www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ongc-cgsb/index-eng.html
Canadian Institute for NDE (Nondestructive Examination) website: www.cinde.ca
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) website: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) website: www.cwbweb.org
Natural Resources Canada NDT Certifying Agency website: www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms-smm/ndt-end/index-eng.htm
Quality Control Council of Canada : http://www.qcccanada.com/ndt.shtml
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Dec 10, 2012. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.