New online Non-Destructive Testing courses will facilitate access to learners across Canada

As demand for training in the field of non-destructive testing grows across the country, SAIT Polytechnic is now offering three core non-destructive testing courses online through eCampusAlberta, making it easier for learners anywhere to progress in this growing, high-demand industry.

These courses will run for six weeks, from February 1 to March 16, 2012.

Non-destructive testing, known as NDT, is the inspection or measurement of a material without damage to the item. It’s the foundation of quality and safety for virtually every industry, including oil and gas, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare and fabrication.

Many items used each day in homes and businesses across the country, from car tires to machine parts and airplane frames, must be rigorously tested before hitting the market. These tests are performed by qualified NDT experts (Levels I - III), certified by Natural Resources Canada in accordance with the Canadian General Standards Board.

SAIT has offered a 15-week Non-Destructive Testing Foundations program for several years to prepare learners for certification but decided to offer the three core courses online to meet demand from students anywhere in Canada.

“The majority of our students come from out of town,” says Tracey Cunningham, Academic Chair of NDT in SAIT’s School of Manufacturing and Automation.

“With eCampusAlberta, they can do the theory portion online and come to SAIT’s Testing Centre for a two-day lab, rather than spend five days here,” Cunningham says.

The new online courses include: Liquid Penetrant Inspection Theory, Magnetic Particle Inspection Theory, and Materials and Processes for NDT. In the first two courses, students will learn to look for surface breaks or defects in various magnetic and non-magnetic materials, while the third course provides an overview of the manufacturing processes of various materials, as well as the flaws, defects and service failures that can occur.

“Right now, these courses are intended for people already working in industry,” she says.

“But, in time, we’re planning to put the entire Non-Destructive Testing Foundations program online for people interested in beginning their career in NDT.”

Learn more about Non-Destructive Testing courses in the eCampusAlberta course catalogue.