Rebecca Mulholland
Outreach Coordinator, British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing
Rebecca is the Outreach Coordinator at the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT). In her role she works to raise awareness of the exciting and impactful careers available in non-destructive testing to young people. She helps to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians who will keep our world safe and running smoothly.
Dare to discover non-destructive testing
Behind every structure and system that works safely and reliably lies an unseen engineering discipline that ensures it stays that way. That field is non-destructive testing (NDT): the science of examining materials and components for flaws without damaging them.
At its core, NDT is about safety, reliability and performance. Engineers use advanced technologies, including ultrasound, radiography and infrared thermography, to detect hidden cracks, defects or weaknesses before they cause failure. These techniques protect people, the environment and the economy by preventing costly or dangerous incidents. NDT is a precise combination of science, investigation and engineering, applying analytical thinking and problem solving to real-world challenges.
Where NDT fits in engineering
NDT supports almost every major industry:
- aerospace: checking aircraft components and engines for microscopic defects
- energy: assessing turbines, nuclear plants, wind farms and pipelines
- transport: maintaining the safety of rails, bridges and vehicles
- construction and infrastructure: verifying the integrity of buildings, tunnels and heritage structures
- manufacturing: ensuring product quality across everything from automotive parts to consumer goods
Although most of this work happens behind the scenes, NDT plays a vital role in keeping the modern world functioning safely and sustainably.
Exciting and varied careers
Few engineering fields offer such a wide range of experiences. NDT professionals can be found:
- working trackside on high-speed rail networks or offshore on oil and gas platforms
- inspecting aircraft components or composite materials used in Formula 1
- developing robotic and drone-based inspection systems or new AI-driven defect detection tools
- supporting the expansion of renewable energy, from wind farms to hydrogen infrastructure
An NDT engineer’s workplace might be a laboratory, a factory floor, a wind turbine or an aircraft hangar for example. The variety of environments, and the global demand for skilled specialists, makes it a particularly rewarding and mobile career choice.
Who works in NDT?
NDT attracts people from diverse backgrounds: hands-on technicians, scientists, engineers and data specialists. Some enjoy fieldwork, while others focus on analysis and technology development. Increasingly, the profession appeals to those with interests in robotics, computing and digital technologies, as automation transforms the way inspections are carried out.
What unites them is a commitment to precision, safety and continual learning.
Routes into the profession
There are multiple ways to start a career in NDT, reflecting its technical breadth and accessibility. In England, there are now Level 2, Level 3 and Level 6 apprenticeships designed specifically for NDT and inspection roles.
Other entry routes include technical courses, university degrees in engineering, materials science or physics and industry-recognised certification programmes accredited by BINDT. Many professionals transition into NDT from related areas such as welding, aerospace or manufacturing, bringing valuable experience. Whatever the pathway, continual professional development and progression opportunities are central to the industry.
Why NDT matters
NDT delivers tangible benefits to society. By identifying potential issues before they lead to failure, it extends the life of materials and infrastructure, reduces waste and supports environmental sustainability. It’s an engineering discipline that quietly safeguards everything from transport systems to energy supply.
It’s also a global career. Whether working on offshore rigs, in aerospace facilities or at renewable energy sites, NDT professionals contribute directly to safety and sustainability on an international scale.
Why students should consider a career in NDT
NDT offers a real-world example of how science, technology, engineering and mathematics come together in practice. It connects classroom learning in physics, chemistry, mathematics and computing with tangible outcomes, demonstrating how these subjects underpin the industries students encounter every day.
It’s particularly engaging for students who enjoy practical problem solving, pattern recognition, experimentation and technology. NDT shows that engineering isn’t only about building things, it’s also about understanding, testing and ensuring they’re safe to use.
The variety of environments, and the global demand for skilled specialists, makes it a particularly rewarding and mobile career choice.
— Rebecca Mulholland, Outreach Coordinator, British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing
