Non-Destructive Testing Technician

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Nondestructive Testers and Inspectors (2261) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Nondestructive Testers and Inspectors (C161) 
• 2011 NOC: Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians (2261) 
• 2016 NOC: Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians (2261) 
• 2021 NOC: Non-destructive testers and inspectors (22230) 

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. Many tests are required by codes or regulations. For example, NDT may be used to test aircraft skins, 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 (NDT) technicians use many different techniques to examine components and parts. Some common types include:

• Magnetic particle inspection (MPI) - An internal magnetic field is generated in a metal part. Iron particles dusted on the surface reveal flaws located on or near the surface.
• Liquid penetrant inspection (LPI) - A coloured petroleum or water-based liquid is applied to a nonporous surface. It is then removed and replaced by a white developer. This acts as a blotter and draws out penetrant trapped in voids. The void areas are the flaws.
• Radiography testing (RT) - Penetrating radiation is absorbed at different rates depending on material density and thickness. It then reveals internal, non-linear flaws, which absorb less radiation. These flaws show up as lighter or darker areas on 2-dimensional radiographic film.
• Ultrasonic testing (UT) - Complex electronic equipment converts electrical pulses into mechanical vibrations that travel across tested materials. When the reflected pulses are converted back to electrical energy, they create a 3D image of the test specimen.
• Eddy current testing (ET) - This is a portable method of testing electrically conductive materials. An energized electric coil induces a fluctuating magnetic field that generates an electric eddy current. Changes in resistance to the flow of eddy currents may indicate a flaw in the material. This test can be used on areas ranging from relatively small to vast.

Other techniques can include advanced computer systems, drone, and robotic systems to capture and analyze data in difficult areas, and many more. Opportunities exist for the NDT Inspector to expand their capabilities through continuous learning.

Duties vary depending on the type of test. In general, NDT technicians:

• Set up and calibrate testing equipment
• Conduct tests to ensure quality or detect discontinuities (defects)
• Devise ways to examine objects, ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations
• Interpret test results using, for example, radiographs and digital readouts
• Evaluate results according to specifications and standards
• Organize and report test results

They also may:

• Perform specialized inspections using acoustic emission, vibration analysis, infrared thermography, or laser shearography
• Instruct and supervise trainees

Welding inspectors:

• Review welding inspection procedures against related standards, codes, and drawings
• Monitor and examine work performed by tackers, welding operators, or welders
• Verify that the specified base metal and welding materials are used properly and maintained in good condition
• Verify that joint preparation and fit-up meet requirements
• Examine and evaluate welds
• Record inspection results and prepare reports

Working conditions vary a lot from one industry and organization to another. Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians may work primarily indoors in manufacturing or processing plants, or outdoors on construction sites in all weather conditions. They may work shifts. Overtime is often 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. They may be away from home for extended periods. Their jobs may require international travel .

Occupational hazards also vary. There is some risk of injury involved in working on construction sites and in manufacturing plants. Work at heights, in confined spaces, and in hazardous atmospheres may be required, with proper training. Accidental exposure to radiation is a hazard for NDT technicians who conduct radiographic tests.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians work for private industrial inspection companies and in the quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), or maintenance and safety departments of:

• Pipeline, refinery, and other oil and gas companies
• Construction companies
• Utilities, power plants (including hydro and solar), and water systems
• Aircraft manufacturers, metal fabrication companies, and other manufacturers
• Airline, trucking, and other transportation companies

Experienced NDT technicians with 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.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 2261: Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians occupational group, 77.8% of people work in:

• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
• Manufacturing

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2261: Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

American Petroleum Institute (API) website: www.api.org

Canadian Institute for Non-destructive Evaluation (CINDE) website: www.cinde.ca

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) website: nuclearsafety.gc.ca

Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) website: www.cwbgroup.org

IDL Inspection Ltd website: www.idlinspection.com

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), National Non-Destructive Testing Certification Body (NDTCB) website: www.nrcan.gc.ca

Quality Control Council of Canada website: qcccanada.com

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