NDT Inspector Apprentice

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; North East; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Rail offers an NDT Inspector Apprentice opportunity, located in Newton Aycliffe. You will train alongside experienced inspectors to perform VNDT techniques, learn from mentors, and progress through an apprenticeship program in quality control and non-destructive testing for rail components.

You will gain hands-on experience in VT, PT, UT and learn to document results while adhering to safety and quality standards, enabling long-term career growth within Hitachi Rail.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Ability to understand technical information and apply basic mathematics.

Responsibilities

• Develop 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.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good communication

Teamwork

Safety and quality

Education

GCSE Maths and English (4/C or above)

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.