Closing the Skills Gap - The Success of the NDT Apprenticeship Programme
Tracks
INNOVATION LAB
Knowledge Level - NDT Level I/NDT Level II
Knowledge Level - NDT Level III
Knowledge Level - Student
Presentation Topic Level - Intermediate
Target Audience - General Interest
Target Audience - Level III Managers
Target Audience - Research/Academics
Target Audience - Small Business Managers
Target Audience- NDT Engineers
Target Audience- Technicians/Inspectors
| Wednesday, October 8, 2025 |
| 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Fiesta 7-9 |
Speaker
sam Cunningham
Technical Sales Manager & Vice President BINDT
Lavender International & BINDT
Closing the Skills Gap - The Success of the NDT Apprenticeship Programme
Presentation Description
The Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) industry has long grappled with an aging workforce and a widening skills gap, threatening the sustainability and advancement of critical sectors. This presentation delves into the strategic implementation and success of the NDT Apprenticeship program, which has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the industry.
Attendees will explore how the apprenticeship initiative has:
- Significantly lowered the average age demographic within the NDT workforce over the past decade, infusing the industry with fresh talent and perspectives.
- Facilitated the creation of over 500 new certifications, ensuring that professionals are equipped with up-to-date skills aligned with current industry demands.
- Leveraged substantial government funding, including apprenticeship levy schemes, to support the training and development of the next generation of NDT professionals.
By examining real-world outcomes and best practices, this session will provide actionable insights for organizations aiming to implement or enhance apprenticeship programs. Emphasis will be placed on effective adult learning principles, including experiential learning, mentorship, and competency-based assessments, ensuring that attendees can apply these strategies directly within their operations.
Join us to understand how structured apprenticeship pathways not only address current workforce challenges but also lay the foundation for a resilient and forward-looking NDT industry.
Attendees will explore how the apprenticeship initiative has:
- Significantly lowered the average age demographic within the NDT workforce over the past decade, infusing the industry with fresh talent and perspectives.
- Facilitated the creation of over 500 new certifications, ensuring that professionals are equipped with up-to-date skills aligned with current industry demands.
- Leveraged substantial government funding, including apprenticeship levy schemes, to support the training and development of the next generation of NDT professionals.
By examining real-world outcomes and best practices, this session will provide actionable insights for organizations aiming to implement or enhance apprenticeship programs. Emphasis will be placed on effective adult learning principles, including experiential learning, mentorship, and competency-based assessments, ensuring that attendees can apply these strategies directly within their operations.
Join us to understand how structured apprenticeship pathways not only address current workforce challenges but also lay the foundation for a resilient and forward-looking NDT industry.
Short Course Description
Biography
Technical Sales Manager at Lavender International NDT and Vice President of the British Institute of NDT (BINDT), with a career that started as a trainee in the NDT industry. I work across training, certification, and industry standards, with a focus on straightforward, people-first leadership.
Passionate about raising standards, supporting the next generation, and helping shape the future of NDT through practical leadership and collaboration.
