CANADA’S NATIONAL NDT MAGAZINE

CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR

NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION
JOURNAL 2015 Special Reprint Issue
VOL. 36 NOs. 1-6

The NDTs of NDT

Featuring
Special Article of Interest:
Top 5 Things NDT Technicians Can Do
To Advance Their Careers
Part 1: Now Dire Times
Part 2: Need Decent Training
Part 3: Need DISC Theory
Part 4: Never Disrespect Technicians
Part 5: Need Decent Tools
Part 6: Notice Danger Traps

Author of the 2015 Career Zone Series:

Fulvio Mini holds a Bachelor degree in Physics from McGill University, and holds CGSB Level 3 certification in PT, MT, ET and RT. He has
over 20 years experience in NDT related to the aerospace industry: from manufacturing aircraft to the maintenance, repair and overhaul
of airframe, engines and components of commercial and private jets. His latest project has been the development of an inspection facility
with the aim to provide a real world inspection environment to those entering the field and seeking experience.

This compilation of reprints is available as a free dowload to CINDE Members

from the Members area at www.cinde.ca
www.cinde.ca CINDE Journal • Vol.37 • No.1 • January/February 2016 41
 Journal Journal Journal
Canada’s National Canada’s National Canada’s National
NDT Society NDT Society NDT Society

January/February 2015 Vol. 36 No. 1 March/April 2015 Vol. 36 No. 2 May/June 2015 Vol. 36 No. 3

Research in NDT
Research in NDT
Look Inside For: Look Inside For:
Feature Article: Feature Article:
A Non-conventional Technique for
Non-Destructive Examination of a Time Capsule
Research in NDT
Evaluating Welded Joints Based on the
Electrical Conductivity Recovered from the Gore Park Excavations,
Hamilton, Ontario
Look Inside For:
Article of Interest: Feature Article:
The C.A.P. System: Clarity, Accuracy, and Article of Interest: Evaluation of Computed Tomography of Mock
Punctuality in NDT Reports Infrared Vision for the Nondestructive Inspection Uranium Fuel Rods at the Advanced Photon Source
Article of Interest: of the Historic Déry Bridge Toll Panel
Article of Interest:
The Natural Resources Canada National
Non-destructive Testing Certification Body Technical Bulletin: Plt. 22 Supports NDT Students for Career Success
Hosts Multiple Meetings in Hamilton, ON Status Report - ASME ANDE Project
Article of Interest:
CINDE News: Technical Bulletin: CINDE Attends IPEIA in Banff, AB
CINDE Attends ASNT Annual Fall Conference
Update from Natural Resources Canada NDT
Special Insert:
CINDE News: Certifying Body

See you in
NDT in Canada 2015 Conference Preview
CINDE Appoints New Director
NDT Researcher Profile: NDT Researcher Profile:
NDT Researcher Profile:
Edmonton!
Thomas Krause – Royal Military College (RMCC) Xavier Maldague - Université Laval
Tony Sinclair – University of Toronto (UofT)

Career Zone: Career Zone: Career Zone:

The NDTs of NDT • Part 2: Need Decent Training The NDTs of NDT • Part 3: Need DISC Theory
The NDTs of NDT • Part 1: Now Dire Times

Publication Agreement No. 40041678 Publication Agreement No. 40041678

Publication Agreement No. 40041678

June 15-17, 2015 • Edmonton, AB June 15-17, 2015 • Edmonton, AB June 15-17, 2015 • Edmonton, AB

INDEX
Top 5 Things NDT Technicians Can Do To Advance Their Careers - by Larry Cote................................................ 5

The NDTs of NDT • Part 1: Now Dire Times.......................................................................................................... 8

The NDTs of NDT • Part 2: Need Decent Training................................................................................................. 10

The NDTs of NDT • Part 3: Need DISC Theory..................................................................................................... 12

The NDTs of NDT • Part 4: Never Disrespect Technicians...................................................................................... 15

The NDTs of NDT • Part 5: Need Decent Tools..................................................................................................... 18

The NDTs of NDT • Part 6: Notice Danger Traps................................................................................................... 20

Journal Journal Journal

Canada’s National Canada’s National Canada’s National
NDT Society NDT Society NDT Society

July/August 2015 Vol. 36 No. 4 September/October 2015 Vol. 36 No. 5 November/December 2015 Vol. 36 No. 6

Research in NDT
Look Inside For: Research in NDT
Research in NDT
Feature Article: Look Inside For:
Electromagnetic NDT to Characterize Look Inside For:
Usage Properties of Flat Steel Products Feature Article:
CINDE News: Electromagnetic NDT to Characterize
Article of Interest: Message from the Past Chair and Usage Properties of Flat Steel Products – Part 3
Workforce Housing as a Recruitment Welcome Message from the
and Retention Strategy in Oil, Gas, National Chair Article of Interest:
Mining and Construction Operations: Measuring Weld Heat to Evaluate Weld Integrity
The Other 12 Hours Feature Article: Article of Interest:
Electromagnetic NDT to Characterize Trimming the Training Budget?
NDT Researcher Profile: Usage Properties of Flat Steel Products –
Barry Wiskel - University of Alberta Part 2 Certification Information Pullout:
Natural Resources Canada National NDT
Career Zone: Article of Interest: Certification News
The NDTs of NDT • Part 4: Never Transitioning to Digital Radiography
Disrespect Technicians Career Zone:
Career Zone: The NDTs of NDT • Part 6: Notice Danger Traps
NDT in Canada 2015: The NDTs of NDT • Part 5: Need Decent
Conference Summary Tools
Publication Agreement No. 40041678 Publication Agreement No. 40041678 Publication Agreement No. 40041678

NDT Researcher Profile:

Dr. Andreas Mandelis - University of
Toronto
4
 Top 5 things NDT Technicians
can do to Advance their Careers
By Larry Cote, President/CEO – Canadian Institute for Non-Destructive Evaluation (CINDE)

There’s a perception out there that NDT can be a tough industry to break into, and sometimes it is. It can be especially difficult when
you’re trying to attain the much coveted experience hours needed to challenge the CGSB certification exams and complete your
practical certification requirements. To get experience hours and become a certified technician, you need a job. BUT, a lot of employers
prefer to hire people who are certified already — a catch-22 that is problematic for someone trying to start their NDT career. However,
to help you get past that hurdle and advance further, here are some great ways to improve your chances of success.

1. Have a Great Attitude

Let’s get one thing straight right away: NDT is a people business. Look at any
of the job ads on the CINDE website, or any other NDT job posting site for that
matter, and you you’ll see something similar to: “Must have a team-oriented
attitude”, “Ability to maintain positive working relations with clients”, and other
requirements about dealing with customers and co-workers in a positive way. If
people aren’t willing to work with you or you somehow have difficulty working with
others, you might have a more difficult time becoming or remaining employed.
NDT is also a technical people business. As a technician, you deal with other
technical people — whether they’re your team, clients, or manufacturers of
equipment you’re using. Evaluating your own performance for strengths and
weaknesses, and trying to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of others is a
great starting point for much more productive working relationships. Always remember that there is no “I” in “team”, and that when it
comes to problem-solving or brainstorming, two heads are better than one.
Having a positive, constructive attitude while working with others on a variety of different levels will help you get through many
difficult situations. Ask yourself “Do people want to listen to a complainer, or respond better to the suggestion of an idea to help fix
a problem?” Positive suggestions are always welcome!
Bottom line: No one likes dealing with an unapproachable sourpuss at work. Being a team player with a positive attitude is a soft
skill that is hugely appreciated by everyone.

2. Be Flexible
Flexibility is known to be a key attribute for doing well in the workplace, and that absolutely applies to NDT. But what does “flexibility”
really mean? Well, early in your career you should be prepared to do anything that you’d reasonably expect someone else to do, all in
the interest of pitching in to get the job done. There’s always going to be some uncertainty in any daily schedule — maybe you don’t
know what a jobsite will be like until you get there or whether the customer will change their expectations from the time you left for
the job-site and when you arrived. Or maybe a job was scoped for 4 hours and someone is ill so you have to cover for that person’s
work too. Complications will arise: changing schedules, missing/wrong paperwork, safety/security orientations overlooked, etc. so be
flexible about adapting to the changes. Being asked to “do this instead of that” on short notice shouldn’t be a showstopper, or the
reason to be nasty about a change in plans.
And be prepared to pay your dues. Early in your career you’ll start at the bottom rung of the job ladder and have to prove yourself
there before moving up the ladder to a better job. That probably means doing the less glamorous and less desirable jobs—and when
it comes right down to it— the grunt work.
Bottom line: The flexibility to adapt and readily take on new assignments at every step of the ladder is a valuable characteristic
that will pay major dividends to you down the road.

3. Keep Learning
If you’re content with one or two NDT certifications and the schedule and income they provide, that’s great! We all need to manage our
work-life balance to avoid too much stress and job burnout. But whether you’re a road warrior or a nine-to-five stay at home type, it’s
wise to know about new technologies and inspection techniques. Our world has been seriously transformed by computers, software
5
 and the Internet; they’ve all affected the way NDT technicians do their job.
Improving technical knowledge and computer skills may not be a matter of
getting ahead, it’s probably more a matter of keeping up to stay in the game.
Everyone appreciates having someone to depend on – their dependable go-
to person for certain jobs. Employers really appreciate people who grow
their knowledge base to help bring more value to the company.
So if you have some downtime, take some training. The business of NDT is
often cyclical, but a slowdown in the economy is a good time to update your
knowledge or add new certifications or levels of certification. You’ll be better
prepared when business starts booming again.
You say “I’m too busy”? It’s never been easier to access training because
of the new ways education is being delivered. On-line training is a fact of our
lives and has been embraced by high schools, colleges, universities and many of the NRCan NDT Certification Body Accepted Training
Organizations (ATO’s), including CINDE. It’s here to stay and is carving out more of the training and education market as people learn
how to properly use blended learning: combining the right amount and type of on-line tutorials and tests with classroom lectures and
practical labs.
Bottom line: Training may look like an upfront cost, but it’s really an investment in you, your long term job satisfaction, and your
job security!

4. Know the Industry

Increased globalization accompanied by the mergers and acquisitions of
companies big and small demand that you have some idea of where your
future interests are headed. Being sustainable in the long term requires
your company to monitor trends, be they business or technical. Here’s
an interesting fact about frogs that can be used as a metaphor: if a frog
sits in a pan of water with the heat gradually increasing it will not jump
out, even as the water starts to boil, so the frog will eventually perish.
Would you do that?! Interestingly, many companies have perished much
in the same way by hanging on to what is working for them today, but not
surveying the landscape to identify what is changing and the risk of how
it could hurt them tomorrow. For example, Blackberry was first to market
with cell phones that had enormous mass appeal, but their initial success
was upstaged by the Apple iPhone. Shouldn’t they have seen that coming?
Continually scanning the competition and emerging technology is a good
way to ensure the longevity of you and your company. Speaking up about
changes proves you care about the industry, it demonstrates that you have a forward-thinking mind, and it could create opportunities
for advancement. Learning about new developments in NDT will help you identify new business opportunities for yourself and your
company.
Bottom line: Being out of touch with what’s happening in the world is a sure-fire path to failure. Staying on top of trends and new
developments is a must.

5. Network & Engage

“Hermandad - friendship” by Rufino - hermandad - friendship. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
via Wikimedia Commons -
Networking is a very important aspect of advancing your career in NDT. The
employment market today views people more and more as “talent” versus “re-
sources”. Hence some companies have shifted from a Human Resource de-
partment to an approach based on “talent management”. With so many social
media platforms available today, you’re represented by more than your name,
education, and job experience. The right combination of those should give you
certain talents that are highly sought after.
And did you know that you have a “personal brand”? If you think of your
knowledge and skills as saleable products, don’t you want your personal brand
to enjoy a good reputation and be able to sell your “products” in the job
market? As consumers we identify with brands and labels and buy them based
on how we perceive their cost versus value. Brand recognition is linked to

6
reputation, and will influence future “purchasing decisions” such as offers of employment or promotion.
You can promote yourself as a professional in many different ways. Get your name out there by attending conferences, technical
chapter events, networking at job fairs and trade shows, and providing educational presentations. Don’t put all your faith in the online
social media platforms; meeting people in person is essential for improving your presence and profile in the NDT community.
You can also get involved with one of the many technical committees looking for volunteers to support the valuable work they do at
national and international levels. The volunteer committee work to update our national standards keeps NDT thriving and relevant. I
can guarantee that you will meet some of the best people in the business while doing committee work; it’s an invaluable business and
technical education in itself.
Bottom line: Expand your professional network so people and employers know who you are, what you can do, and the efficient and
friendly manner in which you keep your promise to deliver results.

Summary
To advance in life implies movement. Throughout your career try to avoid becoming too happy with the status quo, or settling for
less. Always try to move forward, always strive to go the extra mile, and always seek to improve yourself. Make that your personal
mission each and every day. If you keep these five tips in mind as you do that, you will thrive in the world of NDT!

About the Author:

Larry Cote graduated from Mohawk College in 1977 with an Honors diploma in Chemical
Engineering Technology. His 30 year career at Dofasco included roles as Lubrication Lab
Supervisor, Quality Improvement project manager, Senior Reliability Specialist and Team Leader of
the Predictive Technical Services department.
Larry is a Past Chair of the Society of Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP). He
helped develop the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) Certified Lubrication
Specialist (CLS) and the SMRP Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) personnel
certification programs.
In his current position as President/CEO of the Canadian Institute for NDE (CINDE), Mr. Cote
works closely with the Board of Directors to achieve the goals of the CINDE 2020 strategic plan.

Looking for a career in NDT?

Visit our website:

www.cinde.ca
or call
1.800.964.9488

7
 CAREER ZONE • THE NDTs OF NDT • Part 1: Now Dire Times
The NDTs of NDT • Part 1: Now Dire Times
T
he world of NDT is very exciting and
rewarding, but it also faces many
challenges. It doesn’t matter who you talk
to or what industry you may be working in –
the challenges that we are currently facing are the same.
The next few articles in Career Zone will look into some
of these challenges, as well as provide some insight,
and hopefully plant some seeds that will help bring the
NDT community a step closer to solving some of these
challenges.
Now Dire Times
By far the biggest concern right now is that we are in
dire times when it comes to qualified/certified technicians.
It doesn’t matter if we look at the oil & gas industry,
the aerospace industry, or the nuclear industry, there
seems to be a desperate need for technicians and this
need is not going to go away any time soon. With the
8
aging infrastructure that surrounds us all
and the stricter regulatory compliance that
is being placed on new structures, the demand for
NDT has increased tremendously in the past few years
(approximately 9% annually according to a Frost and
Sullivan study). The structures of today are definitely
built far better than they were in decades gone by, but
the demand we put on them – the “we need more, faster”
society we live in – is requiring increased monitoring
and evaluation. Unfortunately, this increase has not
been mirrored with respect to qualified individuals, and
this places a heavy burden on inspectors and service
companies as we progress to meet the needs of such a
busy society. There are a number of factors in addition to
the growth of the industry that are contributing to future
challenges to overcome the lack of certified technicians
to fill such a high demand.
Another contributor to the lack of qualified technicians
 CAREER ZONE • THE NDTs OF NDT • Part 1: Now Dire Times
is in part due to technology. Progress has no patience and the
technological progress that has occurred in the last decade alone is
proof that NDT has become a high tech industry. Gone are the days of
technicians walking into the field with only a magnetic particle yoke in
hand. Now, we get to the field with high end computer driven equipment
capable of recording data, analyzing it, and displaying it with nice
bright colors. The problem? Technology has advanced quicker than the
experienced technician pool did. Every one of us is to blame for this
lag. The technicians want the new equipment, but don’t fight adequately
to justify its purchase and become complacent. The company leaders
are wary of the investment, and regulatory bodies are resistant to the
change that this new technology brings.
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is a perfect example of
this. PAUT has been around now for many years, but just ask any NDT
equipment retailer how long and how hard they had to work to convince
the industry that this technology worked, saved time, and saved money,
and I am sure they will all say not too long, and not too hard. Now ask
them how long and how hard they had to work to actually sell a unit…
Today PAUT is recognized as a valuable NDT tool; its technology has
been proven, and the efficiency it provides is a definite advantage, but
where are the technicians? Technology advanced faster than the work
force did. It does not matter what industry- just look at the job postings.
How many of those are seeking people with PAUT experience? There is
a definite need, but a limited amount of experienced technicians. How
many experienced technicians can there really be, when we did not take
the proper actions at the right time? And guess what, the reality is that
they are all already working. So what can a service provider do to keep
the customer happy?
Now we can’t overlook a major root cause responsible for this lack
of available technicians: we are all getting older. Less than a decade
ago, the average age of an NDT practitioner was 41.5 years, today it is
Average Age of NDT Technicians
(source PQNDT Annual Surveys)
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
up to approximately 48. Numbers don’t lie; the next generation is not
entering the profession at the rate that is required to maintain solid skill,
experience and customer satisfaction. This is just in the last decade! If
we look further, just 40 years ago, the number of 20 year olds that were
entering the profession was approximately 2.4 times greater than the
number of the average 60 year old technician. Today that number has
fallen to an alarming ratio of 0.8!1
I think we can all agree that this is not a pretty picture and that
something has to be done. This is why we are all struggling to get the
technicians we need to get the job done, satisfy our customers, and keep
society safe.
So what can we do to get ourselves out of this situation? Being aware
is always the first step in any problem solving exercise and committing
to take action is always the hardest part. When we break down each
situation into smaller parts, the issues are easy to see and seem less
overwhelming. There is no magic pill that will solve all our issues and no
genie in a bottle that will grant us all the qualified/certified technicians we
need. But there are steps, some little ones and some that will require a
bit more effort, but we can begin to change the tide and provide a solid
professional industry.
The next installments of the NDT’s of NDT will continue to look at the
challenges we face, outline what we can do as a community to reduce the
burden and begin to pave the way for the next generation.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step. Let’s take
that step!
References:
1
Trends in NDT Certification and Training in Canada, L. Coté, P.K. Yuen, J. Zirnhelt, PAN
American NDT 2011.
Fulvio Mini
Fulvio Mini holds a Bachelor degree in
Physics from McGill University, and holds
CGSB Level 3 certification in PT, MT, ET
and RT. He has over 20 years experience
in NDT related to the aerospace industry:
from manufacturing aircraft to the
maintenance, repair and overhaul of
airframe, engines and components of
commercial and private jets. His latest
project has been the development of
an inspection facility with the aim to provide a real world inspection
environment to those entering the field and seeking experience.
9
 CAREER ZONE • THE NDTs OF NDT • Part 2: Need Decent Training
The NDTs of NDT • Part 2:
Need Decent Training
I
n the previous issue we discussed some of the challenges that the NDT
community at large faces – from aging infrastructure that requires
more NDT inspection, to regulatory agencies requiring stricter controls.
This is compounded by a shortage of qualified technicians. We can sit
here and accept that we are living in Now Dire Times, but that would only
be complaining and accepting a terrible future that we could change for
the better. I would rather work in an industry where NDT can mean Never
Dull Times or Nonstop Daily Thrills. So how can that happen? By each and
every one of us doing our part and taking action.
One major issue that was covered in the previous article was that the
technician pool is aging and all this experience will be retiring in the near future.
A good place to begin to make our industry develop into a New Delightfully
Thriving industry would be to start with the youngsters entering the field.
Need Decent Training
Our industry is one based on certification, and a prerequisite to
certification is training: theoretical and practical. It doesn’t matter what
certification standard you work to because they all set out a minimum
amount of hours. That is fine for documentation purposes and to be
able to put a check mark in the appropriate box during an audit. Let’s be
honest though, we all know that all training is not created equal. I have
met several people throughout my career who have legitimate (and some
illegitimate) training certificates, but during discussions with them I have
10
trouble believing they actually passed these courses, their understanding
of the subject matter being so minimal!
The problem with the training is twofold: on one side of the spectrum
is the employer who is looking to get as many people certified as quickly
as possible so they can become revenue generating. The other side is the
technician who is just looking to get a job so they can start making the
big bucks. So what do we do? We have to start taking training seriously
and understand that we are there fundamentally to learn; not just to put a
check mark in the box of an audit checklist.
Of prime importance to the transfer of knowledge is the teacher. We
Need Decent Teachers! We all had teachers in our lives that encouraged
us and kept our attention, the ones we remember fondly. I am sure I am not
alone when I say I also had teachers who were a lot better than NyQuil for
putting me to sleep. The teachers we choose to train the next generation
must be capable of keeping the class interested. Gone are the days of
blackboards and chalk, transparencies, and pointing sticks. The classroom
has become a dynamic environment, and it is more important than ever
to use all that technology has to offer to transmit knowledge. The younger
generation has grown in an environment of videogames and interactive
software- we can’t expect them to just sit there and watch and listen to a
monotone instructor reading a PowerPoint presentation.
So how do we ensure we have the right trainer? An important consideration
in choice of instructor is that they have to “know their stuff”. Once the
 CAREER ZONE • THE NDTs OF NDT • Part 2: Need Decent Training
instructor is in front of the classroom and they are facing the students, they
instantly become the expert on the subject. They must have the real life
experience to answer the questions that the students may have or they
face the possibility of losing credibility. It is not enough to say that a person
is certified to Level 3 that they automatically have the qualities of a good
instructor. Having knowledge is just one piece of the puzzle. Does the person
have the skill to communicate the information adequately? Can they tailor
their style to the group in order to make the learning as easy as possible
for the class? Do they keep students interested by being able to make a link
between what they just taught and real world examples? Most importantly,
does the instructor want to be there to teach the class, or are they there just
to make some extra revenue while waiting for a higher paying job to come
along during the next plant shutdown? Think back to any great teachers you
may have had during any learning experiences in and outside of the world
of NDT. I can guarantee that you can answer “yes” to many if not all of the
questions above. THAT is what makes an excellent instructor/trainer.
Now that we have the right trainer, we have to keep in mind that the
syllabus has to be adequate to today’s demands and that they meet
the minimum requirements set out by NRCan or any other certification
requirements there may be in a specific industry. We have to teach them
what they need to know and test them to make sure they really understand.
Employers pay for the courses and deserve to get a good return. This
puts the training facility in an uneasy position when students did not
really grasp the subject matter at hand. Can they actually get a failing
grade? Can the training facility make the customer unhappy and send
them back their employee without a training certificate? As many teachers
(and students) understand, a teacher doesn’t fail a student, a student
does this themselves. An instructor can help to the best of their ability,
but if a student does not try, does not ask questions, or does not attend
classes, there is little that an instructor can do. High schools, colleges and
universities all have excellent students, so-so students and the few that
fail – NDT training should not be any different.
If you remember, in the beginning of this section, I mentioned that
a prerequisite to certification is training, both theoretical and practical.
We just discussed some of the big issues in the theoretical or classroom
training. The practical training must also be completed as required by
The Natural Resources Canada National NDT Certifying Body. On the job
training is a crucial step in the development of a NDT technician, but they
must have a firm grasp on the practical aspects of performing inspections.
The next concern is how the trainees are greeted once they finish their
classroom training. They need to be coupled with experienced technicians
who can show them how what they learned (in what was hopefully a very
exciting class) is used out in the field. This can only be done through the
use of a structured mentoring program. There are many technicians
out there who are getting older and have so much experience and many
stories to tell - it would be a shame to let them retire without keeping their
legacy alive and passing their knowledge on to others.
It is very important to the newcomer that they get exposed to as many
different day to day scenarios as possible and preferably from as many
different technicians possible. This enables the newcomer to see that
there can be more than one way of doing the same thing and each way
can reinforce the theoretical training they received. It also immerses them
in different social situations and promotes positive working relations with a
team. As technicians, we have to share our experiences; it is the only way to
strengthen the next generation. I may have been lucky, but when I started I
worked in a small shop. Not one piece that had an indication on it left without
passing through my hands. Every time a technician found something they
would call me over and say “...look, what do you see? What kind of defect
is this?” I know that time is money, but how much longer did it take for the
apprentice to walk over and learn from what the mentor had found? How
much did that cost? One thing is for sure: for my experience and training it
was priceless! Let’s take those few minutes and share, it will become a habit
in no time and we can all go back home at the end of the day with a sense of
pride knowing that we passed on a little bit of ourselves.
To recap, to turn our industry into a New Delightfully Thriving industry we
have to start by providing the next generation with the right training; that
means the right instructor, the right course content and the right mentoring.
So, now that we have the training covered, in the next issue, we will go
over the individual technician, how can we put the right people in the right
place, select the right crew, and build your New Dream Team.
Fulvio Mini
Fulvio Mini holds a Bachelor degree in
Physics from McGill University, and holds
CGSB Level 3 certification in PT, MT, ET
and RT. He has over 20 years experience
in NDT related to the aerospace industry:
from manufacturing aircraft to the
maintenance, repair and overhaul of
airframe, engines and components of
commercial and private jets. His latest
project has been the development of
an inspection facility with the aim to provide a real world inspection
environment to those entering the field and seeking experience.
11
The NDTs of NDT • Part 3:
Need DISC Theory
I
n the previous installment of the NDTs of NDT we looked into the training
aspect and how to ensure that the people entering the field were receiving
the proper training and mentoring to acquire the necessary skills and
confidence. To use a sports analogy, we have just put our player on first
base, but what we really need is to make them cross home plate, get the point,
and be part of that New Dream Team. What can we do to improve those odds?
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way that would help us put the right person in
the right work environment and with the right colleagues? A nice resume and
some good grades tell us that candidate has the particular skill and knowledge
that we are looking for, but not much more. To maximize the chances that
everyone is working to their natural talents and creating a win-win scenario for
both the employer and employee, we Need DISC Theory.
Need DISC Theory
DISC theory is a concept put forth by the psychologist William Moulton
Marston in 1928, where he published his findings in the book entitled
Emotions of Normal People. He concluded that every individual has a natural
behavioral style composed of four fundamental traits: Dominance, Influence,
Steadiness, and Compliance. Although William Moulton Marston contributed
to the creation of the DISC Model, he did not create or intend to use it as an
assessment tool. In 1956, Walter Clarke, an industrial psychologist, developed
the DISC assessment using William Moulton Marston’s theory of the DISC
model. He accomplished this by creating a checklist of adjectives where he
asked people to indicate descriptions that were accurate about themselves.
12
Later, this assessment tool was used for businesses needing assistance in
choosing qualified employees. In 1984 Target Training International (today
known as TTI Success Insights) became the first company to develop and
market online personalized reports using this model.
There is no good or bad DISC profile – it is who we are. Today, it is not
uncommon to see some companies use the DISC assessment as a way to
screen potential employees with the thought that a certain personality type
would be better or worse in certain jobs or positions. The best use of DISC
is to learn more about yourself, others, and how to deal with other people in
situations where interpersonal relationships are involved.
The assessment has been used to determine leadership potential as well.
There are different leadership methods and styles that coincide with each
personality type which could help leaders be more effective. DISC has also
been used to help determine a course of action when dealing with problems
as a leadership team – that is, taking the various aspects of each type into
account when solving problems or assigning jobs.
So what are these four basic behavioral styles?
DOMINANCE
The D Personality Style tends to be direct and decisive, often described
as dominant. They prefer leading over following and tend towards leadership
and management positions. They usually have high self-confidence and enjoy
taking risks and solving problems. These traits enable others to look to them
for decisions and direction. They tend to be self-starters.
 CAREER ZONE • THE NDTs OF NDT • Part 3: Need DISC Theory

First Glance: extroverted – task oriented COMPLIANCE

Value to the Team Ideal Environment The C DISC Styles are accurate, precise, detail-oriented, and
conscientious. They think very analytically and systematically and make

D
• Bottom line organizer • Freedom from controls
• Challenge oriented and supervision decisions carefully with plenty of research and information to back it up.
• Innovative • Challenges and
opportunity The C has very high standards for both themselves and others. They
• Non-routine work focus on the details and see what many other styles do not, so they tend
Descriptors Tendency under Stress Limitations to be good problem solvers.
• Competitive • Demanding • Overuse of position
• Direct • Aggressive • Sets standards too high
• Problem solver • Can be Egotistical • Lacks tact and diplomacy First Glance: introverted – Task oriented
• Result oriented
• Self Starter Value to the Team Ideal Environment
• Maintains high • Where critical thinking is
standards needed

C
INFLUENTIAL • Conscientious • Technical/specialized work
• Objective environment
The I Personality Style loves being the center of attention. They are • Comprehensive problem • Close relationship with small
enthusiastic, optimistic, talkative, persuasive, impulsive and emotional. They solver group
• Familiar work environment
trust others naturally, truly enjoy being around others, and function best when • Private work area
around people and working in teams. Descriptors Tendency under Stress Limitations
• Accurate • Pessimistic • Defensive when criticized
First Glance: extroverted – people oriented • Analytical • Picky • Can get consumed with
• Fact finder • Fussy details
Value to the Team Ideal Environment • High standards • Overly critical • Can be overly intense for the
• Precise situation

I
• Optimism and • Freedom of movement
enthusiasm • A lot of people contact
• Team player • Able to express ideas
• Motivator Looking at these descriptions of the DISC, I’m sure that we all see a bit
• Conflict negotiator of ourselves in each of the sections, to a more or lesser degree. These
Descriptors Tendency under Stress Limitations are the pure styles, but we are all made up of a combination of these
• Charming • Self Promoting • Inattention to details with one or two usually being predominant. It is not uncommon to see
• Direct • Overly Optimistic • Unrealistic in appraising
• Enthusiastic • Unrealistic people people with high D and I scores and low S and C, and vice versa.
• Optimistic • Too talkative • Trusts others indiscriminately
• Social Why Use DISC?
Now you are probably all wondering what all this psychobabble has to do
STEADINESS
with NDT. The answer is nothing if NDT only means Non Destructive Testing
The S Personality Style type are known for being steady, stable, and for you and everything if you apply this to your New Dream Team.
predictable. They are even-tempered, friendly, sympathetic with others, and There are many different work environments: field work, lab work,
very generous with loved ones. They are understanding and good listeners.
They prefer close, personal relationships, they are open with loved ones, but
can guard their emotions very well with those not so close.

First Glance: introverted – people oriented

Value to the Team Ideal Environment

• Dependable • Stable and predictable

S
• Works for a leader with environment
a cause • Little conflict between
• Patient people
• Service oriented • Long term work
relationships

Descriptors Tendency under Stress Limitations

• Amiable • Non demonstrative • Agrees to avoid conflict
• Good Listener • Hesitant • Difficulty in establishing
• Patient • Inflexible
• Stable priorities
• Steady • Resistant to changes

13
 CAREER ZONE • THE NDTs OF NDT • Part 3: Need DISC Theory

and research just to name a few. It goes to reason that although NDT engagement to make sure that the team we built will Not Disappear Tomorrow.
is the basis of these environments, the personnel requirements can be
extremely different. As managers, when we have a position to fill, we
Bibliography:
ask ourselves who the ideal candidate would be. Do they need to be
detail oriented? Pay good attention to detail? Be a self-starter? There The Universal Language DISC – A Reference Manual
Bill J. Bonnstetter and Judy I. Suiter
are many considerations. By using a DISC assessment during the hiring Target Training International Ltd.
process, we know exactly who we are getting and where they can use Fourteen Press
their natural talents the best—requiring less effort and increasing the
possibility that we made a good hire.
We can also apply this philosophy to the team that is already in place.
Fulvio Mini
If we knew the behavioral style of our employees, it would be easy to
make the perfect team. You could create a team that runs like clockwork. Fulvio Mini holds a Bachelor degree in
Wouldn’t the customer be impressed? Could this be your New Dream Physics from McGill University, and holds
Team? CGSB Level 3 certification in PT, MT, ET
So far we discussed the current state of the industry and how we are and RT. He has over 20 years experience
suffering due to a lack of qualified skilled technicians. We presented a in NDT related to the aerospace industry:
few ideas on how to ensure that those candidates entering our industry from manufacturing aircraft to the
can be trained and mentored to be the best that they can be, and now maintenance, repair and overhaul of
described a process that we can apply to new and current technicians airframe, engines and components of
commercial and private jets. His latest
to help us provide an environment where they can work to their natural
project has been the development of
talents. We built our New Dream Team! Now we just have to keep it. an inspection facility with the aim to provide a real world inspection
In part 4 of this series, we will provide some insight on retention and environment to those entering the field and seeking experience.

Considering
a Career
in NDT?
Visit our website
www.cinde.ca/jobsdb.shtml
or call
1.800.964.9488
14
 The NDTs of NDT • Part 4:
Never Disrespect Technicians
S
o far in this series we have discussed some of the problems that we
are facing in this industry, discussed the importance of training and
mentoring, and provided some insight on how to ensure we have the
best team players. We are well on our way to begin the shift that is
needed to face the future. Now we are aware of the situation and have an
action plan. How do we make sure it is sustainable and that all our work has
not been futile? How can we be sure that the team we have worked so hard
to build stays together?
Never Disrespect Technicians
Look around at the companies we know- some pay top dollar while others
offer lower wages. Some have high employee turnaround and low engagement
and some have long lasting, stable, and highly engaged employees. Is there a
connection? There certainly is. A survey conducted by GRH Training Solutions
came to a startling conclusion: employers and employees are not on the same
wavelength. The table below shows the five top things employees rank as
important and the 5 top things employer rank as important. Both groups
are not on the same wavelength. It is not just MONEY that keeps employees.
Furthermore, items 2 and 3 for employees are actually ranked 10 and 9 by
the employer respectively.
But what does this have to do with respect? Respect goes a long way
in developing a harmonious work environment. Communication is clear
and appropriate among individuals who respect each other. If a person is
respectful, it shows that he has a positive attitude. A person who is courteous,
EMPLOYER PERCEPTION EMPLOYEE PERCEPTION
Good salary Recognition for work accomplished
Job security Being part of a group
Possibility of advancement Empathetic attitude when faced with
personal issues
Interest for the job Job security
Good working conditions Good salary
listens to others and treats people fairly is respectful. People who show
respect for others often gain respect in return.
Respect is needed in the modern workplace to foster peace and
kindness between all people and all levels. When managers and employees
respect one another, they are able to communicate well and collaborate to
reach business goals.
What it boils down to is that employees will leave one employer for another
when their values are not respected and when they are no longer engaged.
The key to keeping employees is by keeping them engaged. And that leads
to the Engagement Equation:
E=fit + C3
Fit: This is what the employee brings to the Engagement Equation. How does
the employee “fit” in the organization and the role? If a DISC assessment was
used (as discussed in Part 3 of the NDTs of NDT) we are pretty sure we have
the right person…..but we have to be cautious because they can also be the
right person for our competitors.
C3: This is the employer’s contribution to the Engagement Equation. It is
made up of three important components that are intertwined and related
to each other. It is easy to see that the employer has a great impact on
this equation!
Congratulate: Appreciation and recognition is a fundamental human need.
Employees respond to appreciation expressed through recognition of their
good work because it confirms their work is valued. When employees and
their work are valued, their satisfaction and productivity rises, and they are
motivated to maintain or improve their good work.
Praise and recognition are essential to an outstanding workplace. People
want to be respected and valued for their contribution. Everyone feels the
need to be recognized as an individual or member of a group and to feel a
sense of achievement for work well done or even for a valiant effort. Everyone
wants a ‘pat on the back’ to make them feel good.
Exceptional leaders give recognition, and they do so a lot.
15
 CAREER ZONE • THE NDTs OF NDT • Part 4: Never Disrespect Technicians
Collaborate: Studies show that, when employees work in teams and NDT technicians are proud of their work and their profession. They
have the trust and cooperation of their team members, they outperform understand the impact their work has on society’s safety and the
individuals and teams that lack good relationships. Relying on other environment, and this is deeply rooted in their values. And they take
people builds trust and teamwork establishes strong relationships with their job seriously every day. It is very damaging when a technician’s
coworkers. Despite occasional disagreements, an effective team enjoys findings are disregarded or not taken seriously, or worse yet when
working together and shares a strong bond. When you put your trust in asked that the inspection be done by someone else. It is true that we
a coworker, you are establishing the foundation of a relationship that all make mistakes, but if a technician finds an indication and we suspect
can endure minor conflicts. that they made a mistake,
Trusting your teammates also they should be involved in the
provides a feeling of safety reinspection. It should not be
that allows ideas to emerge. done behind their back. There
It helps employees open up is no better way to demoralize
and encourage each other. or disrespect a technician; no
Open communication is key better way to make them feel
when working on a team and like they are not contributing
produces effective solutions and are not valued than by
in difficult group projects. overruling their work without
Great teams build each other valid explanation.
up and strengthen individual So far in my career, I have
members to create a cohesive yet to come across a technician
group. By working together, who did not appreciate
employees learn that wins and learning from a false call when
losses affect everyone on the team. Teamwork necessitates confidence they were involved and their side of the story was listened to.
in each other’s distinct abilities. We are putting in a lot of effort to take this profession out of the dire
Great leaders are team builders; they create an environment that times we are in. We have identified a key issue and are working on giving
fosters this trust and collaboration. Surveys indicate that being cared the proper training and mentoring, ensuring that we put the right people
about by colleagues is a strong predictor of employee engagement. in the right spot so we can build the team that will do the best job, the
Thus, a continuous challenge for leaders is to rally individuals to pieces are falling into place, now let’s Not Disrespect Technicians!
collaborate on organizational, departmental, and group goals. In the next issue, we will discuss the tools of the trade, and how they
Credibility: Leaders should strive to maintain a company’s reputation are an important piece of ensuring that there will be No Down Time.
and demonstrate high ethical standards. People want to be proud of
their jobs, their performance, and their organization. Good leaders help Bibliography:
create confidence in a company by being exemplars of high ethical and The Universal Language DISC – A Reference Manual
performance standards. Would you go “above and beyond” for a leader Bill J. Bonnstetter and Judy I. Suiter
who didn’t routinely keep their word? Target Training International Ltd.
• Make it a point to keep your commitments. Overpromising and Fourteen Press
failing to deliver are surefire ways to destroy credibility quickly.
• Always tell the truth. Of course, there will be times when you
Fulvio Mini
aren’t able to share information with others due to confidentiality
concerns, but it’s better to say “I can’t discuss that” or “I can’t Fulvio Mini holds a Bachelor degree
answer that question”, than it is to lie or make something up. The in Physics from McGill University, and
first time you’re caught in a lie, your credibility will be in question holds CGSB Level 3 certification in PT,
forever. MT, ET and RT. He has over 20 years
• Treat people fairly. In order to gain trust, you must have the experience in NDT related to the aerospace
best interests of the team at heart and treat everyone fairly and industry: from manufacturing aircraft to
equitably. Be careful that you are not showing favoritism toward the maintenance, repair and overhaul of
anyone. airframe, engines and components of
commercial and private jets. His latest
• You are human – be upfront and honest about your mistakes.
project has been the development of
You don’t have to be perfect. Make it okay for your team to make an inspection facility with the aim to provide a real world inspection
small mistakes as well and move forward. environment to those entering the field and seeking experience.

16
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is just the tip
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at CINDE!

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17
The NDTs of NDT - Part 5:
Need
Decent
Tools
W
e are well on our way to setting the pace for a flourishing industry;
one that we all can enjoy. We have discussed the importance of
training and mentoring, the use of behavioral assessments to
ensure that everybody is set in an environment where they can
use their natural talents, and the ever important factor, treating the technicians
with respect. The hard part is done and now we can move on to ensure that
there is No Down Time. There is, however, one more important aspect to
ensuring that NDT is carried out correctly in order to be sure that all the
possibilities of detecting that fatal flaw are maximized: that happy well-trained
technician who is in the right working environment, and well respected by their
superior/customer can’t perform properly if they don’t have the right tools!
Need Decent Tools
Would you be satisfied bringing your car in for repairs to a garage that
doesn’t have the equipment required to fix today’s cars? Or go to a doctor
who only has a thermometer and tongue depressor? Probably not. The items
that we expect our NDT technicians to inspect should be given the same
treatment. After all, the underlying reason why we are asked to inspect these
items is because an unseen flaw can ultimately have catastrophic results.
Having the right tools is not about having the latest and greatest equipment
that is out there. At the rate that equipment changes, no company can afford
to continually upgrade to the latest version. However, having the equipment
that can detect what we are looking for and accurately fulfill what has been
mandated by contract or inspection procedure is very important.
Having the right tools doesn’t stop at the main piece of equipment – it
also requires we have the proper reference standards, probes and quantities
of consumables. It is the employers’ responsibility to provide the proper
equipment and quantities, but it is the technicians’ responsibility to use the
RIGHT equipment.
A true story
Years ago, when I was a young, eager, wide eyed NDT apprentice, set to
write my Level 2 CGSB Magnetic Particle exam, I was thrown a curve ball. A
colleague of mine was asking me questions to see how prepared I was for the
exam, everything was going well, and I was feeling confident until he asked
the question: “Do you know about Sand Mag?” “You mean dry powder?” I
replied in a cocky tone. “No,” he said. “I mean Sand Mag. Once you’re a level
18
2 you are going to do sand mag!” I never heard of sand mag, how could I
have overlooked such an important part of magnetic particle, how come my
teacher never mentioned it, how could I have thought I was ready to write my
exam without being familiar with sand mag! I went home looked at my notes
…nothing, looked at the Principles of Magnetic Particle by Carl Betz, THE
book on magnetic particle in those days…still nothing, and I couldn’t search
on google, the internet wasn’t even a word yet. I gave up.
The next day, I admitted defeat. I was not ready to write the exam and
sheepishly asked him to explain Sand Mag to me. “Easy,” he said. “Sand Mag
is what you do when you are in the field and run out of dry powder, you scoop
up some sand, put it in the applicator bulb and continue working…you don’t
find cracks, but people still see you working!”
I am glad to say I never did Sand Mag, but this illustrates things that do
happen when we are ill equipped, and technicians have the wrong attitude.
For my colleague to have had that instinctive reaction leads me to believe he
did it more than once. It is easy to blame the employer by saying he doesn’t
order the right quantities of material, but did my colleague ensure that he had
the right amount in the truck before leaving? We all have equal responsibility to
make sure we do the job right. After all, if we take our job seriously, we should
be well aware of the consequences of cutting corners.
Not providing or using the proper equipment has other consequences
besides the obvious catastrophic one. The cost of having to provide our
customer with a disclosure letter stating that what was done was not really
what was asked for can have enormous financial consequences as well as
damage to the firm’s reputation.
In the past few years, I have come across many incidents involved in the use
of wrong equipment, and being asked to do impact assessments and hopefully
brush everything under the carpet. That is not the way to do our job. I have
seen management with limited knowledge of NDT convert to water washable
penetrant instead of post emulsifiable penetrant because there is one less
step (ie quicker) and the NDT technician say nothing. I have audited a company
doing eddy current bolt hole inspection on titanium while calibrating on an
aluminum reference standard. When I asked the technician if that was right, he
said “No, but the company is too cheap to buy the right calibration block, but
both aluminum and titanium are non magnetic so it doesn’t change anything”
[cringe]. Both incidents ended up having to be reported to the customer. The
cost of having done an impact analysis, root cause, and corrective/preventive
action widely surpassed the cost of a titanium calibration block and that of the
 CAREER ZONE • THE NDTs OF NDT • Part 5: Need Decent Tools
small post emulsifiable penetrant line that has since been installed. Not to
mention the toll it took on time and effort.
What is the root cause of all these incidents? Communication.
Management has to admit that it does not always have the technical
knowledge or expertise to fully understand the consequences of some of
their decisions, and the technicians have the obligation to highlight those
consequences. For those who hold CGSB certification, this is item 11 on the
code of conduct that one must sign prior to being certified.
I hope that the first part of this article raised some awareness to what
can happen if we don’t have or use the right tools, but those incidents are
all in the past, and hopefully the occurrence will decrease.
Another issue in making the proper use of equipment that is available to
us is to Never Disregard Technology.
The tools that are available to us today were unimaginable a few short
decades ago. I remember in the early 2000’s that UT phased array
was emerging and soon it would revolutionize Ultrasonic Inspection and
eddy current array was following in its footsteps. It took a lot of effort
and convincing to actually get those tools out of the salesman’s car and
onto the field. Now we all ask ourselves why it took so long…and without
getting too philosophical, the fear of change is why.
As the front line technicians, we have to be the first to embrace what
technology has to offer, believe that it can benefit the customer and
our employer, and work hard to convince the community that this new
technology, whatever it may be, is the way of the future.
The recent NDT in Canada Conference held in Edmonton Alberta
showcased many new pieces of equipment and had many interesting
presentations on new and upcoming technologies. It is up to all of us to
bring that technology out of the conferences and into the field. It is not
always easy, but nothing worthwhile ever comes without effort, hard work,
and determination.
In short, let’s not forget, we Need Decent Tooling, let’s Not Disregard
Technology, and we can go home having the feeling that our jobs were
Nicely Done Today.
Fulvio Mini
Fulvio Mini holds a Bachelor degree in
Physics from McGill University, and holds
CGSB Level 3 certification in PT, MT, ET
and RT. He has over 20 years experience
in NDT related to the aerospace industry:
from manufacturing aircraft to the
maintenance, repair and overhaul of
airframe, engines and components of
commercial and private jets. His latest
project has been the development of
an inspection facility with the aim to provide a real world inspection
environment to those entering the field and seeking experience.

Two of the many CINDE Member Benefits include posting your resume and/or an
available job into the current CINDE Journal, on the website, and at our NDT in
Canada Conference.

At our annual NDT in Canada

Conferences, our Career Zone
attracts companies looking for
inspectors and people looking
for employment.Notice all
the job postings ... now is
definitely the time to pursue
or advance your career in
NDT!

19
The NDTs of NDT • Part 6:
Notice
Danger
Traps
W
elcome to the sixth installment of the NDTs of NDT. So far
we discussed the importance of the 3T’s; Training, Tooling
and Treating them Right. We are set and well on our way
to establishing NDT as a rewarding endeavor. There is one
thing that is paramount to any NDT technician, no matter how old we
are, where in the world we are operating out of, or how many years of
experience we may have, and that is, we have to be able to see! What
is alarming in this day and age is that eye injuries in the workplace are
common. Can you believe that every day, 700 Canadians sustain eye
injuries while on the job1, often resulting in lost time and in some cases,
either temporary or permanent vision loss.
Notice Danger Traps
We tend to believe that it always happens to the other person. Do the
math: 700 eye injuries per day multiplied by 250 (the days worked in a
year) times the number of years someone stays in industry (30 years
minimum) and it is not long before you realize that during the span of
your career you have a 25% chance of that other person being you!
That is a staggering number. What makes things even worse is that of
those 700 daily injuries, the majority are preventable.
Another alarming figure can be found in the 2013 statistics recently
published by the CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and
Safety). Every day in Canada, two people kiss their loved ones in the
morning before leaving for work. That is their last kiss – they will never
make it back home! The study reported that in 2013, 902 people lost
their lives due to work place accidents – 2.5 people per day.
Nobody goes to work with their prime objective of becoming a statistic –
this is a sad reality. All that we can do is Notice Danger Traps and not walk
into them, or let anyone around us walk into them. The very nature of our
jobs puts us in environments where accidents may happen: we work high
in the air, in confined places, and next to toxic and corrosive chemicals just
to name a few. To make things a bit more dangerous, as NDT technicians,
we concentrate on what we are looking at rather than what is around us; if
we are not careful, this can easily become a recipe for disaster.
Before reading further, take a moment, sit back, and think of the past
few years. How many accidents happened in the workplace around you?
CNIB Eye Safety at Work. www.CNIB.ca
1
20
So what can we do to ensure that we’re not a statistic? Two things: We
can have a voice and we can use sense.
It doesn’t matter how old we are or how many years of experience we
have – when we see someone doing something that just doesn’t seem
right, we have to speak up. Many times as a technician we are concerned
about getting that job done and by an accumulation of maneuvers to get in
the right position, we might put ourselves in a dangerous position without
realizing it. When we see this, we can’t just be passersby and not warn the
person. The sad thing is that all too often, the technician will not listen to
or appreciate the comment, but we have to change that cultural habit. We
all have to look after each other.
We also have to listen to our inner voice. We often put ourselves
in precarious positions on purpose to get the job done. We know it
is dangerous but we do it anyway not to waste time so that we can
hurry up and make it home in time for dinner. Often enough, when we
are new on the job, we want to prove ourselves and not be thought
of as complainers, so we don’t ask for the right personal protection
equipment. It is usually there, we just have to get it or ask for it. It might
seem a bit cliché, but safety does start with you: you looking out for
yourself and you looking out for others.
This does not mean that we have to be paranoid or alarmist. This does
not mean that we have the right to say I don’t want to go work in the
chemical factory or the nuclear facility outage. That is our job. However,
we have the right to ensure that we are working safely.
We all have a responsibility to ourselves, colleagues, employers and
most of all our families to make sure that everyone has a Nice Dinner
Together instead of No Dinner Tonight.
Now Do This
Almost a year has passed since the NDTs of NDT series started, and
the first article summarized the current state of the industry: Now Dire
Times. The following articles highlighted some paths of reflection. So
how do we revive this trade and make sure we all excel and provide the
best service we can? There are a few steps to take, but the important
thing is persistence.
The first step: In order to counterbalance the aging population in
 CAREER ZONE • THE NDTs OF NDT • Part 6: Notice Danger Traps
the NDT industry, we Need Decent Training. We need training provided
by teachers who have a passion and a firm knowledge of the material at
hand. This training should be coupled with a good mentoring program to
bring everything that was taught to real life.
The second step: Need DISC Theory. Not every technician is
created equal and not everyone excels in the same environment. There
is a myriad of talent assessment tools at our disposal. By using a talent
assessment, new technicians can learn to understand themselves
better and so can the employer. When we know who we are dealing with,
we can place them where they can excel and in turn providing better
performance and return for the employer.
The third step: Believe it or not, each and every technician is
human. We all perform better and achieve greater results when we are
engaged in our projects. What can we do to increase the odds that the
NDT community at large is engaged in the profession and with their
employers? Never Disrespect Technicians. This is the fundamental
element that drives engagement and motivation. Contrary to training
and using assessment tools, this costs nothing, but what is required to
ensure step 1 and 2 are successful.
The fourth step: we can’t do what we are expected to do if we don’t
have the proper toolbox. We Need Decent Tools. This might easily be the
greatest pet peeve of the NDT technician. We are hired by our customers
to provide assurance that their product meets their standards for safety
CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR
NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION
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and reliability. The only way we can provide that to our customer is by
using the equipment that is called for in the inspection techniques.
Finally, if we want to continue what we do we need to Note Danger
Traps. The nature of our job puts us in dangerous environments and
very often in precarious situations. We need to put our safety and the
safety of people around us at the forefront. The four steps mentioned
above have no effect if we are not working safely.
A new year is quickly approaching. Let’s make 2016 the year where we all
take our part in making NDT the Noble Dynamic Trade it is meant to be.
Fulvio Mini
Fulvio Mini holds a Bachelor degree in
Physics from McGill University, and holds
CGSB Level 3 certification in PT, MT, ET
and RT. He has over 20 years experience
in NDT related to the aerospace industry:
from manufacturing aircraft to the
maintenance, repair and overhaul of
airframe, engines and components of
commercial and private jets. His latest
project has been the development of
an inspection facility with the aim to provide a real world inspection
environment to those entering the field and seeking experience.
email: info@cinde.ca
www.cinde.ca
http://events.cinde.ca
21
 Are you considering a
career in NDT?
Visit our website at
www.cinde.ca
or call
1.800.964.9488

22
 CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR
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NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION

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to posting your resume or current employment
opportunities online, CINDE Members have a head
start in the NDT Industry with exclusive member
benefits.

Canadian Innovation.
Global Knowledge.