The ASNT Foundation newsroom shares the latest updates, news, and developments from the ASNT Foundation. Discover stories about scholarships, grants, research initiatives, and key moments that support the advancement of education and the nondestructive testing (NDT) profession.
(Columbus, OH) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) celebrates a major legislative milestone with the US House of Representatives advancing a key provision that expands 529 education savings accounts to cover postsecondary credentialing and certification programs. This update—part of the recently passed “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”—broadens the definition of qualified educational expenses, offering greater flexibility for individuals pursuing career-focused education outside the traditional college path.
The inclusion of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act marks a transformative step toward a more inclusive and adaptable workforce development strategy—one that recognizes the value of nontraditional education pathways like certifications in nondestructive testing and other high-skill, high-demand fields.
“This is a win for students, workers, and the future of our industries,” said Neal Couture, ASNT CEO. “By allowing families to use 529 plans to invest in credentialing programs, Congress is not only increasing access to education but also signaling a broader recognition that the workforce of tomorrow depends on more than just four-year college degrees.”
The newly expanded use of 529 savings accounts means aspiring professionals and transitioning workers can use these tax-advantaged funds to pursue meaningful credentials through ASNT and other industry-recognized certification programs. This change aligns with the national workforce trends, where middle-skill jobs dominate and certifications often serve as the key to sustainable, family-supporting careers.
“At ASNT, we see firsthand how industry-recognized certifications can open doors to lucrative and rewarding careers,” said Garra Liming, Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs at ASNT. “Expanding 529 plans to include these programs is smart policy. It means more people will have the chance to build a better future through hands-on, skills-based training without being sidelined by financial barriers or outdated definitions of education.”
With the bill headed to the Senate, ASNT joins the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition to urge lawmakers to preserve this crucial provision. Maintaining it in the final legislation will help broaden pathways to skilled careers, support economic mobility, and strengthen industries that rely on certified professionals to ensure safety, quality, and performance.
For more information on ASNT certification programs and how they support workforce readiness, visit www.asnt.org.
ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, DC and Chennai, India.
Media Contact:
Garra Liming
Director, Public Relations & Government Affairs
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)
614-274-6003; govrelations@asnt.org
Columbus, OH — The ASNT Foundation is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the Student Poster Contest Bursary Prizes at the Pan-American Conference for Nondestructive Testing (PANNDT) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to empowering the next generation of nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals.
The PANNDT 2025 Conference will be held at the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada) from 9 – 12 June 2025
As part of its ongoing mission to foster education, engagement, and excellence within the global NDT community, the ASNT Foundation is proud to help provide students with an international platform to showcase their innovative research and passion for NDT.
“The future of NDT lies in the hands of bright, driven students, and we are proud to support them through opportunities like the PANNDT 2025 Student Poster Contest,” said Heather Cowles, Executive Director of the ASNT Foundation. “Through this bursary sponsorship, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of leaders who will shape the evolution of our industry.”
In addition to sponsoring the contest, The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) and the ASNT Foundation will be exhibiting at PANNDT 2025 and invite attendees to visit them at Booth #57. ASNT Team members will be available to engage with industry professionals, students, and educators alike. Learn more about ASNT products and services and how you can support the ASNT Foundation.
Join us in celebrating the innovation and dedication of emerging NDT talent. See you at PANNDT 2025!
Established in 2022, the ASNT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. As a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our industry partners and individuals who understand the importance of nondestructive testing (NDT) and its role in creating a safer world, to support current and future generations of NDT programs through scholarships, grants, research, and workforce development.
For press inquiries, please email hcowles@asnt.org
Columbus, OH – The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) is celebrating the success of its inaugural Day on the Hill, held on 11 March 2025, in Washington, DC. More than 40 ASNT members and staff participated in over 100 meetings with lawmakers and their staff, introducing the vital role of nondestructive testing (NDT) in public safety, infrastructure reliability, and innovation.
“Our first Day on the Hill was a tremendous success,” said Garra Liming, ASNT Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs. “This was a landmark moment for ASNT—our members came together to educate lawmakers about the critical role of NDT in protecting lives and strengthening our nation’s infrastructure. The enthusiasm and engagement from both our members and policymakers were encouraging.”
ASNT members shared information about how NDT is vital in ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of the nation’s infrastructure, as well as its widespread applications in aerospace, nuclear, energy, and manufacturing. Some conversations included concerns about the decline in federal research investment over the past 15 years and the challenges it presents as materials and manufacturing technologies rapidly evolve.
Members emphasized the growing importance of technology and workforce development in keeping pace with technological advancements, and the need for stronger recognition of NDT within federal programs and funding priorities.
“Our inaugural Day on the Hill was an incredible opportunity to put NDT on the map in Washington,” said Neal Couture, ASNT CEO. “For many policymakers, this was their first exposure to the industry and its impact on public safety. Our members did an outstanding job advocating for NDT, and this is just the beginning of ASNT’s presence on Capitol Hill.”
ASNT Vice President and Advocacy Committee Chair Jason Riggs joined several meetings and added: “We’ve built valuable connections with lawmakers, and now we need to keep the momentum going. ASNT is committed to making NDT a recognized and supported profession at the national level. Hill Day was just the first step in ASNT’s long-term advocacy efforts.”
ASNT will continue following up with congressional offices and providing additional data and resources. For more information about ASNT’s advocacy efforts and the impact of nondestructive testing, visit asnt.org.
ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, DC and Chennai, India.
For press inquiries about ASNT, please email gliming@asnt.org
Columbus, OH – The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) takes center stage in the current season of Jobs of Tomorrow, a groundbreaking docuseries exploring the future of work. This season, the docuseries spotlights how nondestructive testing (NDT) is shaping industries, driving innovation, and creating career opportunities.
As technology rapidly evolves, industries are adapting to new challenges and demands. This season of Jobs of Tomorrow highlights how NDT professionals play a critical role in ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency across sectors such as transportation, energy, and infrastructure. This season features six compelling episodes:
· Connecting the Nation with NDT
· The Sky is Not the Limit for NDT
· NDT Keeps the Pipelines Flowing
· Making Waves with NDT
· Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
· NDT Powers Our Future
“NDT is an essential yet often unknown field that impacts nearly every industry,” said Toni Kervina, ASNT Director of Content and Education. “Through this docuseries, we’re excited to showcase the unique opportunities within NDT and how these professionals are shaping the future.”
With a focus on the individuals and technology driving the industry forward, Jobs of Tomorrow sheds light on how NDT careers provide stability, advancement, and purpose. From aerospace to renewable energy, NDT professionals ensure the integrity of critical infrastructure and cutting-edge systems.
“This series presents an exciting opportunity to bring awareness to NDT,” said Garra Liming, ASNT Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs. “By sharing these stories, we’re not only highlighting the importance of NDT but also inspiring the next generation of professionals to explore rewarding careers in the field.”
ASNT remains committed to advancing the NDT profession through advocacy, education, certification, and industry engagement. The Jobs of Tomorrow docuseries aligns with ASNT’s mission to showcase the significance of NDT and its impact on global industries.
For more information about ASNT and its involvement in Jobs of Tomorrow, please visit https://www.asnt.org/what-is-nondestructive-testing/jobs-of-tomorrow
ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, D.C. and Chennai, India.
Columbus, Ohio -- The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Foundation is proud to announce the approval of the new national guideline standards for a Nondestructive Testing Technician apprenticeship. These guideline standards have been developed in collaboration with industry experts and the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to ensure comprehensive training and rich on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities for aspiring level II NDT learners. These guidelines provide a framework for developing and implementing effective apprenticeship programs that meet the evolving needs of the NDT industry.
The newly approved standards are designed to ensure apprentices acquire critical skills, knowledge, and behaviors through structured training and on-the-job learning. With this approval, the guidelines align with national quality and regulatory standards, making them an essential tool for fostering workforce development and securing federal funding and industry support.
Heather Cowles, Executive Director of the ASNT Foundation said " This approval marks one more step the ASNT Foundation is taking to support the NDT workforce. By developing resources and models like this, we can assist our partners with their training and development needs. This brings us closer to building a robust pipeline of NDT professionals prepared to meet the workforce of the future."
The ASNT Foundation is committed to educating employers, educators, and job seekers about the benefits of apprenticeships. These efforts kicked off during National Apprenticeship Week (November 17-23, 2024) with a series of webinars. These webinars highlight how the approved guidelines can streamline training programs, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and address workforce gaps identified in the Foundation’s recent industry readiness report.
Beonica Rutherford, Workforce Development Manager, added " We are excited to provide tools that enable schools and employers to build strong partnerships to implement structured, impactful apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships will allow NDT students and job seekers the opportunity to earn and learn, reducing barriers to enter into the industry."
Established in 2022, the ASNT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. As a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our industry partners and individuals who understand the importance of nondestructive testing (NDT) and its role in creating a safer world, to support current and future generations of NDT programs through scholarships, grants, research, and workforce development.
For more information on the webinars, visit https://foundation.asnt.org or contact Beonica Rutherford at brutherford@asnt.org . For press inquiries, please email hcowles@asnt.org
