Nathan Bate

Nathan joined the team at IMechE Argyll Ruane in February 2023 as a Level 3 Consultant, Trainer and Examiner. 

Nathan is a registered Incorporated Engineer (IEng), with over 12 years’ experience working in NDT across a multitude of sectors, including rail, manufacturing, general engineering (fabrication, machine shop and welding) nuclear, oil & gas.  

His expertise includes conducting NDT in accordance with scheduled maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) within the rail sector; and providing NDE technical support to the Rolls Royce small modular reactor project, looking at design for inspection and manufacturing at an early stage for heavy pressure vessels and pipework. 

His role involves supporting the provision of Level 3 Consultancy Services to clients, including acting as a Responsible Level 3, procedure writing, conducting performance reviews, audits, training and supporting the examinations department. Nathan’s diverse technical knowledge base ensures clients receive a high standard of training and support. 

How did you first hear about the NDT industry?   

“After completing university with a BSc in Sport Science, I worked in the health industry for several years until around 2011, where I was informed of a traineeship opportunity within NDT. I had never heard about NDT prior to this point, but the role sounded interesting and so I decided to take the plunge into a new career.  

As part of the traineeship I gained visual testing, magnetic testing and penetrant testing qualifications, and later undertook PMI (XRF analysis) and hardness testing.” 

What do you enjoy about working in NDT?  

“You get to see a lot of interesting things that you may not normally get to see (such as the likes of Heineken brewery and the Walkers crisp factory!), as well as getting to travel to places you may not get to go. Travelled a lot in the UK 

Top tips for anyone entering the industry 

“Never turn down training and development opportunities, you never know what lies around the corner!” 

The fun stuff! What’s your favourite: 

Film: Heat 

Holiday: Japan 

Food: Any form of chicken! 

Drink: Red wine 

Qualifications:

BSc in Non-Destructive Testing

Level 3 ASNT Level III for Ultrasonic Testing

PCN Level 3: Visual Testing, Penetrant Testing and Ultrasonic Testing of Forgings.

PCN/SNT Level 2: Magnetic Particle Testing, Penetrant Testing, Visual Testing, Ultrasonic Testing of Forgings, Welds (3.1, 3.2), Ultrasonic Testing of Railway Axles and Eddy Current Testing of Welds.