As South Africa intensifies efforts to stabilise electricity supply, extend the life of critical infrastructure, and attract new industrial investment, the demand for high-level non-destructive testing (NDT) expertise is growing across multiple sectors.

Recent developments, including the life-extension programme at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, renewed maintenance investment at Eskom power stations, and continued capital projects in oil and gas, mining, rail, and petrochemical processing, have placed renewed emphasis on inspection reliability, compliance, and asset integrity. At the centre of this focus is the need for professionals qualified to operate at NDT Level 3.

In response to these industry pressures, the Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) will present its next NDT Level 3 course on 26 January 2026, aimed at experienced practitioners, engineers, and managers responsible for inspection strategy and technical governance.

SAIW Acting Training Manager Lemogang Maclean says the qualification represents a significant shift in responsibility given that NDT Level 3 training is the highest level of technical authority in non-destructive testing.

“NDT Level 3 competence is particularly critical in industries where inspection outcomes directly influence safety, regulatory compliance, and plant availability. These include power generation, nuclear facilities, oil and gas installations, petrochemical processing plants, mining operations, rail infrastructure, pressure equipment, and fabrication environments,” explains Maclean.

She adds, “At this level, professionals move beyond performing inspections. They are trained to design inspection plans, select and approve appropriate testing techniques, interpret and apply relevant codes and standards, validate inspection results, and take responsibility for inspection outcomes.”

An enhanced career trajectory

For NDT Level 2 personnel, the course provides a structured pathway to career progression. Attendance enables technicians to elevate their expertise from execution to decision-making and leadership, supporting progression into senior roles such as NDT Level 3, Responsible Person, or Quality Manager.

The training is also valuable for engineers and senior managers who may not perform inspections themselves but are required to approve inspection strategies or manage asset integrity. NDT Level 3 training provides a clear understanding of what NDT can and cannot do, enabling better technical and business decisions that affect safety, quality, and long-term asset performance.

As South Africa continues to prioritise infrastructure reliability and industrial resilience, NDT Level 3 capability is no longer optional. It is a critical requirement for organisations operating in high-risk, highly regulated environments.

Course Information: Start date: 26 January

Eligibility to attend:

1. Level 2 qualified personnel in two surface methods and one volumetric technique.
   • This group will write examinations with the objective of achieving NDT Level 3 certification.
2. Senior staff with a tertiary qualification seeking senior management roles in NDT-intensive industries.
   • This group will attend for knowledge development and will not write examinations.

For more information or to register, contact Lemogang Maclean at Lemogang.maclean@saiw.co.za.