As a non-destructive testing trainer for ARL, Jordan Wood has shown experience beyond his years. Jordan won the Technician of the Year award at the ASNT (American Society for Non-Destructive Testing) conference on 26 March 2013 at which NATL, the North Atlantic branch of the ASNT, also celebrated its 20
th year. The American standards for NATL and those of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) are both certifications used in the UK.
Speaking of his pride at gaining the award, Jordan says: “The Level 3 director at ARL entered me for the competition. Anybody with non-destructive testing (NDT) qualifications below Level 3 and supervisory qualification can be entered. You get a lot of points from having experience in the industry and, aged 19, as I was last year, I simply could not have accrued those points.” Nevertheless, Jordan was also entered in 2012 and was runner-up.
Jordan started his career in non-destructive testing as an apprentice in a nearby inspection company. He says: “Before I started working in the industry, I did a good amount of my own research. I came to do my first NDT qualification at ARL and shortly after that I came to work at ARL as an NDT trainer in ultrasonic inspection.”
“I think the reason I won the award is down to the effort that I put into my work, and the benefits I’ve had from my own manager, Craig Hobson, who has taught me very well. A friend, Ron Woodhouse, who is a respected engineer in the industry, also advised me. When I was showing interest in the industry, he gave me some reading material, and he’s been like a mentor: he thought the role in ARL I was offered was a good move, and I’ve not looked back.”
Recognising that, early in his career, he has proven his talent in this field, Jordan says: “At the minute I’m happy concentrating on what I’m doing here, and will look at opportunities that may come up in the future. I’d like to move on to more advanced techniques in ultrasonic inspection and gain Level 3 qualifications as well.”
Talking about his day-to-day job, and perhaps showing what has made him a stand-out trainer, Jordan reveals: “Almost all of my students are older than me, which is an unusual set-up for a training situation. When I was 18, teaching people who had 20 years’ more experience than me, felt quite unusual. I’m aware that the dynamic is maybe a bit unexpected, but as well as knowing your subject thoroughly, an important part of teaching is showing confidence and communicating respectfully.”
He concludes: “As a young person, it’s very encouraging and motivating to know that if you put some effort in, it is recognised. I’d also like to say that my family members have really supported me in my career choice and work.”
Andrew Spencer, General Manager of Learning and Development, is proud of Jordan’s achievement. He said: “This award confirms what we already knew about Jordan and his work: he’s professional, thorough, enthusiastic, and popular with the candidates he teaches. ARL is proud to gain external recognition in this way; it reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving standards in the profession and fits with the principles of development and recognition of our own staff.”
“In the world of NDT, there are two main standard-setting organisations and that Jordan has been awarded Technician of the Year by one of those significant bodies, is a great achievement.”
For more information about non-destructive training:
http://www.argyllruane.com/