NDT Inspector Apprentice

Hitachi, Ltd.; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 13,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Rail invites applications for a QC NDT Apprentice position based in Newton Aycliffe. You will gain hands-on experience in visual, penetrant and ultrasonic testing while building a career in quality control within the rail industry.

You will undertake a recognised apprenticeship programme with mentors guiding you through practical inspections, learning to read drawings and QC procedures, and progressing toward professional qualifications in NDT and QA.

Qualifications

• Interest in engineering, manufacturing, quality inspection or rail.
• Strong attention to detail and methodical approach.
• Good communication skills and willingness to ask questions.
• Commitment to safety and quality.
• Willingness to undertake formal study, training and assessments.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of quality inspection and NDT through training and practice.
• Assist qualified inspectors with pre-weld, in-process and post-weld inspections.
• Learn to interpret engineering drawings, QC plans and procedures.
• Support dimensional inspections and weld preparation checks.
• Record inspection results and training evidence accurately.
• Assist with non-conformance investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintain inspection equipment, documentation and work areas to standard.
• Work safely in line with procedures and standards.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and engineering teams.

Skills

Engineering interest

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Safety mindset

Organisational skills

Education

GCSE Maths and English

Job description

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Job Description

NDT Inspector Apprentice

Hitachi Rail is driving the Mobility Transition, helping every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport. Our mission is to deliver superior, original technology and products for mobility projects around the world. Our products are designed to make sustainable mobility a reality across all areas of the global railway sector.

Everything that we do at Hitachi Rail is underpinned by our values:

Wa (Harmony)

We show respect to colleagues, customers, suppliers and stakeholders.

Makoto (Sincerity)

We act with integrity, fairness and honesty in everything we do.

Kaitakusha-Seishin (Pioneering Spirit)

We embrace innovation, welcome challenges and continuously improve.

QC NDT Inspector Apprenticeship

Location:

Newton Aycliffe

Are you looking for an employer who will support your professional development whilst providing valuable hands‑on experience within a global, innovative and industry‑leading organisation?

This exciting apprenticeship offers the opportunity to build a career in Quality Control and Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) within the rail industry. You will work alongside experienced inspectors, developing the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required to become a qualified QC NDT Inspector.

Through a combination of structured learning and workplace experience, you'll gain exposure to visual inspection, penetrant testing, ultrasonic testing and quality assurance activities that help ensure the safety and quality of our trains and components.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop your understanding of quality inspection and non‑destructive testing through structured training and practical experience.
• Assist qualified inspectors with pre‑weld, in‑process and post‑weld inspections.
• Learn to interpret engineering drawings, quality control plans and technical procedures.
• Support dimensional inspections and weld preparation checks.
• Accurately record inspection results, training evidence and quality documentation.
• Assist with non‑conformance investigations and corrective actions.
• Maintain inspection equipment, documentation and work areas to the required standard.
• Work safely in line with quality, health and safety procedures and company standards.
• Collaborate with colleagues across manufacturing and engineering functions.

Apprenticeship Programme

As a QC NDT Inspector Apprentice, you will complete a recognised apprenticeship programme alongside industry‑specific NDT training. You will develop competence in inspection techniques including Visual Testing (VT), Penetrant Testing (PT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT), supported by experienced mentors and technical specialists. Successful completion can lead to further specialist qualifications and long‑term career opportunities within Quality Control and Inspection.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed and eager to learn. You will have a strong interest in engineering, manufacturing, quality or rail, along with excellent attention to detail and a passion for delivering high standards of work.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A genuine interest in engineering, manufacturing or quality inspection.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach.
• Good communication skills and confidence to ask questions.
• A commitment to safety and quality.
• Good organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to undertake formal study, training and assessments.

Entry Requirements

• Must meet the eligibility requirements of the chosen apprenticeship provider.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Ability to understand technical information and apply basic mathematics.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Ability to satisfy any required medical, vision and colour perception standards associated with inspection activities.

The successful candidate must, by the start of employment, have permission to work in the UK.

Our Commitment

We are committed to helping you achieve your potential through leading training, development opportunities and mentorship from experienced professionals. We actively support career progression and encourage our apprentices to build long‑term careers within our global organisation.

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone

We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.