James Caruth

James, AKA Jimmy, is an advanced UT trainer at IMechE Argyll Ruane.

Jimmy started his NDT career in 2005 at a small NDT company in Sheffield and has developed a wealth of industry knowledge and experience over the years, using inspection techniques such as Visual Testing, Magnetic Testing, Penetrant Testing, Ultrasonic Testing, Phased Array, and Time of Flight Diffraction.

He has worked across a variety of key sectors, including the testing of new and old pressure vessels for the petrochemical industry, working in power generation on nuclear- and gas-powered power stations, in the oil and gas industry on both offshore platforms and pipelines, in addition to the renewables sector on the fabrication of wind turbines.

He is no stranger to sharing his NDT knowledge, as he previously worked as an NDT Tutor at IMechE Argyll Ruane in 2015 for a period of time before heading back into industry as a self-employed contractor, inspecting high integrity welded components as well as corrosion mapping.

Jimmy re-joined the technical team in 2023 to support our UT, PAUT and ToFD offering, and his role involves guiding students through the PCN syllabus to support them in achieving a standard of competence in both the theory and practical, where they can hopefully pass their exam and further develop their careers. A development plan has been implemented to support Jimmy with his progression to becoming an NDT Level 3, bolstering our future capability for supporting organisations with their Level 3 requirements.

How did you first hear about the NDT industry?

“A friend already worked in the industry and when I was looking for work after college, he recommended it. I had never heard of NDT before but thought it sounded interesting.”

What do you enjoy about working in NDT?

“Working in interesting environments and industries that you would never usually get to see.”

Top tip for anyone entering the NDT industry?

 “You get out what you put in. Stay motivated and flexible and you will get opportunities to build a successful career.”

What’s your favourite:

Food: Italian

Favourite drink: Guinness

Favourite film, TV or book: Sheffield Wednesday (through the modern era) by Tom Whitworth

Favourite holiday: Skiing

Qualifications:

PCN Level 2: Visual Testing

PCN Level 2: Penetrant Testing

PCN Level 2: Magnetic Particle Testing

PCN Level 2: Ultrasonic testing (Welds 3.1, 3.2, 3.8, 3.9, Critical Defect Sizing, Forgings, Castings)

PCN Level 2: UT Phased Array

PCN Level 2: Time of Flight Diffraction

Certifications

Affiliate Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers