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As a non-destructive testing trainer for ARL, Jordan Wood has shown experience beyond his years. He won the Technician of the Year award at a recent American Society for Non-Destructive Testing conference at which NATL, the North Atlantic branch of the society, celebrated its 20th year.
The American NATL standards and those of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing are both used in the UK. Speaking of his pride at gaining the award, Wood said: “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, Wood was also entered for the award in 2012 and was runner-up.
He started his career as an apprentice in a nearby inspection company. He said: “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 the firm 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 manager, Craig Hobson, who has taught me 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 at 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, Wood said: “At the minute I’m happy concentrating on what I’m doing here. In the future, I’d like to move on to more advanced techniques in ultrasonic inspection and gain level 3 qualifications.”
Talking about his job, Wood revealed: “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. 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 concluded: “As a young person, it’s very encouraging and motivating to know that if you put some effort in it is recognised.”
Andrew Spencer, general manager of the institution’s Learning and Development, is proud of Wood’s achievement. He said: “This award confirms what we already knew about Jordan: he’s professional, enthusiastic, and popular with those he teaches. ARL is proud to gain external recognition in this way. It reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving standards.
“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.”