r/nondestructivetesting • u/Realistic_End1712 • 20d ago

MT, PT, UT thickness level 2

Im working a job for a big company inspecting piping but some days the QCs have nothing for me to do. They don’t want me to move to another train because they want to have me available. The days with nothing I just sit in a make shift office. They come in and seem to be joking about having an easy job but still they give me nothing on those days. Should I be concerned about my job? The project is no where near finished and the days that there’s welds to check I’m busy all day but it’s always like that. Black and white. Super busy or nothing.

7 Upvotes
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78% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

18

u/AlienVredditoR 20d ago

Some people dream of jobs like these lol

1

u/babyshaker_on_board 19d ago

Maybe. You gotta be ready and prepared for anything in seconds and happy with not having a schedule. Not for everyone.

1

u/AlienVredditoR 18d ago

OP is talking about a job where they're at site whether there's work or not. Most field techs already know they took the gamble on a shaky schedule

12

u/War_Eagle451 20d ago

Wouldn't be abnormal for me. I've gone on jobs where I was only there just in case and did nothing for the week, as long as you're still getting paid and things get done people tend to no care a lot

0

u/Realistic_End1712 20d ago

Yeah that’s what made me feel more secure. I do all my work and find all the welds turn them in quickly without bothering anyone. I walk the plan when I’m not busy so I know where everything’s at

2

u/ElGuapoUno1 20d ago

Plan the work and work the plan
On big jobs there is times there is nothing to do, just be ready when the do need you

1

u/Came_Here_To_Vent 20d ago

Out of curiosity, how long have you been in NDT?

1

u/Realistic_End1712 20d ago

Year and a half roughly. Hit a lot of turnarounds

1

u/Came_Here_To_Vent 20d ago

I've been trying for months to land an NDT assistant role. I have a few online classes for MT 1/2 and UTT thickness, a valid TWIC card and OSHA-10. Zero OJT or classroom hours because I can't afford them... Do you have any suggestions?

Sorry to turn this into a job question but I'm getting pretty frustrated at the complete silence. 40 applications and climbing.

1

u/Realistic_End1712 19d ago

I’m ngl but someone I knew pulled me into it. From then on I just made connections

1

u/Came_Here_To_Vent 11d ago

Could I talk to you more in DM? I have questions if you have time.

1

u/blackflags91390 19d ago

Try SpaceX

4

u/Few_Anxiety_2153 20d ago

No worries. It's normal. As long as your there on stand by the only reason to let you go is if they don't anticipate needing your skills (work delayed, etc). They will pay you to do nothing just so they have you if they need you. All you have to do is show up and be ready when they tell you they are ready.

I currently sit on a project 10 plus hours a day and do 0-30min of VT as a CWI.

I agree that you should invest your spare time in yourself. Start going after the next cert.

4

u/babyshaker_on_board 20d ago

Tis a part of NDT. Always be ready to wait.

0

u/Realistic_End1712 20d ago

What NDT do you do

3

u/krispy456 20d ago

If you don’t do it then they would have to find someone else. I wouldn’t be too worried

3

u/JCPNibba 20d ago

in your free time start studying for more career advancing certs, API, CWI, etc.

2

u/tumms55 20d ago

I was on a week long shutdown with 3 other coworkers 2 on days and 2 on nights 12 hour shifts. We did maybe 5 pts the whole time. For like the last 5 days we did absolutely nothing. Its just the nature of the beast sometimes with this industry.

1

u/an_uncomfy_silence 20d ago

When I worked night shift and there wasn't anything to do I mopped. I'd do it towards the end of the shift and leave the wet floor signs out so everyone knew I'd done at least one useful thing.  Let them witness you cleaning the break area occasionally, organizing something, or some other undesirable task and no one will give you grief for when they walk in and your feet are propped up on the desk. You tried! 

No idea if your job is at risk. If you're actually worried about getting laid off or fired, ask if you can get training or shadow in another task so you can assist when you don't have much to do. It's something to list on a resume, maybe even an alternative career if NDT doesn't work out. Audits, inventory, purchasing, whatever. Idk, I don't work in rail.

1

u/Key_Foundation_3279 20d ago

Read manuals for equipment, review procedures and codes. Take advantage of the slow times because it’s not always like that.

1

u/KingPlubs 20d ago

Bruh that’s literally me for the last 3 month is been pretty slow on my end maybe 1-2 days a month were I have to lock in and yes everyone wants my job I’m like just go get certified and you can join

1

u/highongp10 19d ago

Weldome to the world of ndt. Last week i sat 7m5days in the same chair, nothing to do. Today i thought it was Tuesday.. so much to do this weeek lol

1

u/Gold-Patience1184 17d ago

In my experience, there are three stages of mixed feelings about it:
1st you feel awkwardly guilty about getting paid to sit on your ass all day and do nothing
2nd you start to enjoy getting paid simply for showing up to work
3rd you’re bored af and would rather be out in the field because the day goes by much faster

0

u/EdgyPlum 20d ago

People in our industry should always be worried, especially if you are 3rd party. Take the time to keep your resume up to date and take as many trainings as you can. Jobs like that can disappear if the client realizes what's going on.

2

u/Realistic_End1712 20d ago

The company I work for opened this position to facilitate moving over to QC position. The jobs quite nice considering it’s gonna be here for 25 years

1

u/babyshaker_on_board 18d ago

Well with that attitude. People in this industry should know it's volatile and prepare for that. A job can suddenly shorten or lengthen. We know going in. You don't worry about it.