Proactive Workforce Development: ASNT's Vision for a Thriving NDT Industry

The nondestructive testing (NDT) industry, a cornerstone of safety and reliability across various sectors, is facing significant workforce challenges due to retirements and evolving technologies. In response, the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) is taking a proactive stance to bolster workforce development. By focusing on education, performance demonstration, certification, industry collaboration, technological integration, and diversity, ASNT can empower the industry with a skilled and adaptable workforce.

Challenges to Overcome

While the proactive measures outlined in this position paper offer a promising path forward for ASNT to address workforce development needs, it is essential to recognize the inherent challenges associated with tackling these issues. Understanding and overcoming these challenges will be instrumental in the successful implementation of the strategies proposed.

1. Rapid Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced imaging techniques requires continuous updates to training programs.

2. Industry Fragmentation: As ASNT serves a diverse range of sectors’ unique needs, we must balance the need for standardization in training, qualification, and certification processes.

3. Resistance to Change: ASNT must overcome skepticism about adopting new technologies and educational methods through communication and demonstration of the benefits of changes.

4. Retention of Experienced Professionals: Encouraging experienced professionals to stay engaged is vital to pass on their institutional knowledge and expertise to the younger generation.

5. Limited Awareness and Outreach: The NDT industry's relative obscurity hinders talent attraction.

6. Resource Allocation: Careful budgeting is required for proper allocation of resources for workforce development amid other organizational priorities.

7. Global Variability: The global NDT industry's diverse regulations, standards, and practices require ASNT to account for these variations in its workforce development efforts for broad applicability and effectiveness.

The Importance of Proactive Workforce Development

A crucial shift in perspective within the NDT industry involves recognizing the significance of addressing workforce development proactively, rather than solely focusing on current workforce issues. This shift brings numerous benefits:

1. Future-Proofing the Industry: Anticipating and adapting to evolving technology, regulations, and market demands ensures industry relevance.

2. Nurturing Innovation: A proactive approach encourages the integration of new technologies and methodologies that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety in testing processes.

3. Attracting New Talent: Enhance the industry's appeal to new, innovative professionals by showcasing NDT as a dynamic, forward-looking field with diverse opportunities for growth and specialization.

4. Minimizing Workforce Shortages: A proactive workforce strategy provides a steady pipeline of skilled professionals, mitigating shortages.

5. Enhancing Industry Reputation: A well-trained, diverse workforce that is committed to quality, safety, and professionalism improves industry reputation.

6. Empowering Professionals for Performance: Equipping NDT professionals with relevant and adaptable skills ensures that they are positioned to provide value to employers and clients well into the future.

7. Contributing to Industry Leadership: ASNT's leadership in setting standards, fostering collaboration, and introducing innovative educational approaches shapes the industry's future.

ASNT's Stakeholders and Their Benefits

ASNT serves various stakeholders within the NDT industry, each benefiting from proactive workforce development:

1. NDT Professionals: Equipped with skills, knowledge, and certification, they remain competitive and valuable contributors.

2. Employers and NDT Companies: Benefit from a skilled workforce to innovate, enhance their service offerings, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

3. Industry Organizations and Associations: Enhances credibility and influence in shaping industry direction.

4. Academic Institutions: Aligning with industry needs enhances the reputation of institutions offering NDT programs and attracts more students.

5. Clients and End Users: Improved service quality, accuracy, and safety enhance decision-making and reduce risks.

6. Regulatory Bodies and Authorities: Those overseeing safety and quality standards benefit from a proactive workforce to enhance industry compliance and public safety.

7. Emerging Professionals and Students: Gain access to quality education, mentorship, and clear career pathways.

Strategies for Proactive Workforce Development

To address workforce challenges proactively, ASNT adopts the following strategies:

1. Enhancing Education and Training: Collaborating with academic institutions and industries to update curricula and incorporate emerging technologies. This prepares graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

2. Standardizing Qualification and Certification: Working toward global standardization to ensure consistent industry standards and career progression pathways.

3. Fostering Industry Collaboration: Organizing knowledge exchange and networking events to identify emerging trends and solutions.

4. Embracing Technological Advancements: Integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced imaging systems into training and certification programs.

5. Promoting Diversity: Partnering with organizations focused on diversity in STEM fields to encourage underrepresented groups to join the NDT workforce. Diverse perspectives enrich the industry.

Conclusion

Addressing workforce development proactively is essential for the NDT industry's growth and resilience. ASNT's commitment to enhancing education, standardizing qualification, and certification, fostering collaboration, integrating technology, and promoting diversity ensures a dynamic and robust NDT workforce. By embracing innovation, engaging stakeholders, and defining clear career paths, ASNT positions itself as a driving force in shaping the industry's success.

Learn more about how you can get involved in supporting ASNT’s workforce development efforts by attending the workforce development session at the ASNT 2023 Annual Conference or reaching out to our team at foundation@asnt.org.

This article is a condensed version of Proactive Workforce Development in the Nondestructive Testing Industry: A Position Paper on ASNT's Role by ASNT’s Board of Directors. Read the full paper in the October 2023 issue of Materials Evaluation.