The meeting was very well attended with the state branch representatives, Board of Directors and Certification Board Chairmen all extremely engaged in what was a long meeting with plenty of constructive discussions.

Alongside the standard agenda items covered during the annual meeting, the meeting gives the state branches the opportunity to promote areas they feel the AINDT should invest resources for the betterment of the NDT & CM industry. Four areas determined to be allocated such resource following the 2021 meeting are:

1. AINDT to Go Green and strive to be more environmentally conscious
2. AINDT Introduction to NDT & CM Video Project
3. AINDT Branch Training Specimens
4. AINDT Work Experience Project Proposal

As mentioned in Peter Milligan’s opening message on page 4 of this journal, the AINDT has committed to being a more environmentally responsible organisation and to adapt the way we operate to reflect this. The initial push is to limit the number of print-based publications we offer, along with encouraging certificate holders to use electronic means (such as the AINDT portal) when applying, renewing or recertifying Certification and membership.

The aim is to reduce our paper-based footprint by at least 50% by halfway through 2022. To achieve this, we are encouraging all members to receive the journal via email or through the membership portal, rather than the current hard copy format.

We are also currently investigating the use of electronic certificates and ID cards for certification purposes. It’s hoped that all certificates will be available through the portal for download by the holder. The QR code will enable employers to verify current certification via the AINDT website, through the certification search which is linked live to the AINDT database showing current certification information.

The AINDT Introduction to NDT & CM video project will enable AINDT to promote the NDT & CM industry to school leavers and people who are looking for a career change. The proposal is to develop around ten short videos introducing NDT & CM at a very basic level in an effort to showcase our industry to the next generation of NDT & CM practitioners at career expos and schools. This is an exciting project, for which we have engaged a professional film and editing company and will feature real practitioners in a variety of industry sectors conducting real time conventional and advanced NDT & CM inspections.

As many readers will be aware, the AINDT NDT Certification Board previously donated its specimen bank to the state branches. These specimens have been made available to the membership for training and annual proficiency audits.Given the unexpected succuss of members taking full advantage of this benefit, a proposal was put to the Federal Council    for the AINDT to purchase more specimens which can be distributed to the branches to bolster the current stock.

We will be looking to purchase more specimens locally if we’re able to, in an effort to support Australian businesses and also limit any delays in delivery due to COVID restrictions. If any members wish to take advantage of the current stock of specimens held by the state branches, please contact your local branch representatives who will be able to arrange the loan of the specimen’s dependent on availability at the time of request.

Linked to the Introduction to NDT Video project, the WA branch proposed a Work Experience Project. A large proportion of AINDT certification-based members are ³ 40 years old and for the longevity of the NDT industry and to eliminate future short skills there needs to be a larger training and certification influx from younger generations. In addition to the deficit with incoming new NDT professionals, Australia is experiencing a skills shortage due to the growing requirement for in-service inspection of ageing assets, as well as continuing construction projects. With the COVID pandemic, the skills shortage has been exacerbated by the incapacity for overseas NDT workers to enter the country, as well as those travelling around Australia due to restricted borders. Recruitment into the NDT profession with AINDT certification would be beneficial from both perspectives.

This proposal, if it fits within the individual school requirements, could apply to students who:

• are in Year 10 and are required to participate in some work experience as part of their career consideration;
• are an existing VET / non ATAR student who might otherwise consider other trades at this time.

The objective is to increase knowledge of NDT as a profession, its certification requirements, and the role of the AINDT within school institutions and their students through supervised work experience placements. This project would aim to make it easier to connect parents / schools wishing to place students with NDT supply companies (AINDT members) for an up to 5-day work experience opportunity.

Whilst initially the work experience proposal was purely aimed at year 10 students, following in depth discussion this project has escalated into what could effectively turn into some form of apprenticeship scheme. It’s relatively straightforward to come up with the structure of an NDT apprenticeship training program and factoring in SIO9712 certification. Creating a change of culture across industry to look at training of new personnel or upskilling is also important rather than just finding the next tech to do the job. This will create a sustainable industry that will produce a thriving workforce and fill the skills shortage of an ageing work force.

The above is just a very small snippet of the many topics discussed during the Federal Council meeting. This article is aimed to give readers a brief update on some of the activities which have been allocated resources to benefit our members, certificate holder, organisations and the inspection industry as a whole.

In closing, we would like to thank the entire Federal Council for its continued efforts and support of the AINDT, without you we certainly wouldn’t be able to be pro-active in our activities. The AINDT strongly encourages any members who feel they have something to contribute to the NDT & CM industry to reach out to either your state branch or the AINDT Federal Office for further information on how to get involved.