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) announces the creation of the ASNT Foundation and the appointment of the board of trustees. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the ASNT Foundation serves as a vehicle for individuals and organizations to give back to the nondestructive testing (NDT) community by supporting its targeted priorities or by creating funds dedicated to fulfilling their specific interests in NDT.
The foundation will leverage resources to nurture future generations of NDT professionals. By engaging in outreach, conducting research, and providing financial support through scholarships and grants, the foundation aims to inspire, recruit, and cultivate a more extensive and skilled workforce for the NDT industry.
“The announcement is the culmination of more than two years of preparation and hard work, and I am pleased to have Heather Cowles, CAE, CVA, serving as executive director of the ASNT Foundation,” said Neal J. Couture, CAE, ASNT Executive Director. “Heather brings years of association management experience and passion for ASNT members and the NDT industry to this position. I am excited to see the ASNT Foundation grow and succeed under Heather’s leadership.”
The foundation’s board of trustees was selected to represent a diverse cross-section of the NDT industry. The officers and members of the board of trustees are:
John Iman, Varex Imaging | NDT Solutions, President
Danny Keck, Vice President
Brad Pence, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Treasurer
Lisa Brasche, Pratt & Whitney
David Campbell, Campbell Holdings LLC
Martin Graen, AMETEK Power Instruments
Megan McGovern, General Motors
Marybeth Miceli, C.Eng., Miceli Infrastructure Consulting
Jason Riggs, Marmon Rail
Neal J. Couture, CAE, ASNT Executive Director
Heather Cowles, CAE, CVA, ASNT Foundation Executive Director and Secretary of the Board of Trustees
ASNT has provided initial funding and support for the ASNT Foundation. The ASNT Foundation will operate independently of ASNT.
About the ASNT Foundation
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.
About ASNT
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, and Chennai, India.
For press inquiries, please email hcowles@asnt.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Resistance to Change: ASNT must overcome skepticism about adopting new technologies and educational methods through communication and demonstration of the benefits of changes.
Retention of Experienced Professionals: Encouraging experienced professionals to stay engaged is vital to pass on their institutional knowledge and expertise to the younger generation.
Limited Awareness and Outreach: The NDT industry's relative obscurity hinders talent attraction.
Resource Allocation: Careful budgeting is required for proper allocation of resources for workforce development amid other organizational priorities.
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.
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:
Future-Proofing the Industry: Anticipating and adapting to evolving technology, regulations, and market demands ensures industry relevance.
Nurturing Innovation: A proactive approach encourages the integration of new technologies and methodologies that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety in testing processes.
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.
Minimizing Workforce Shortages: A proactive workforce strategy provides a steady pipeline of skilled professionals, mitigating shortages.
Enhancing Industry Reputation: A well-trained, diverse workforce that is committed to quality, safety, and professionalism improves industry reputation.
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.
Contributing to Industry Leadership: ASNT's leadership in setting standards, fostering collaboration, and introducing innovative educational approaches shapes the industry's future.
ASNT serves various stakeholders within the NDT industry, each benefiting from proactive workforce development:
NDT Professionals: Equipped with skills, knowledge, and certification, they remain competitive and valuable contributors.
Employers and NDT Companies: Benefit from a skilled workforce to innovate, enhance their service offerings, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
Industry Organizations and Associations: Enhances credibility and influence in shaping industry direction.
Academic Institutions: Aligning with industry needs enhances the reputation of institutions offering NDT programs and attracts more students.
Clients and End Users: Improved service quality, accuracy, and safety enhance decision-making and reduce risks.
Regulatory Bodies and Authorities: Those overseeing safety and quality standards benefit from a proactive workforce to enhance industry compliance and public safety.
Emerging Professionals and Students: Gain access to quality education, mentorship, and clear career pathways.
To address workforce challenges proactively, ASNT adopts the following strategies:
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.
Standardizing Qualification and Certification: Working toward global standardization to ensure consistent industry standards and career progression pathways.
Fostering Industry Collaboration: Organizing knowledge exchange and networking events to identify emerging trends and solutions.
Embracing Technological Advancements: Integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced imaging systems into training and certification programs.
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.
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.
