News

We are pleased to announce that our very own David Griffin has been honoured with the 2023 British Institute of NDT (BINDT) Nemet Award.  

The award recognises examples of outstandingly effective use of NDT/CM/SHM, especially those that might encourage small firms to apply NDT/CM/SHM methods for the first time, over a period of 5-10 years or longer. 

Early career in NDT 

David spent the early years of his working life as a Metallurgical Technician at British Steel Corporation, but soon found his chosen career path at the age of 19, when he joined Forgemasters as an NDT Trainee in September 1980.  

During David’s 8-years at Forgemasters Engineering Ltd., he progressed from NDT Trainee, through to Senior NDT Operator covering, Ultrasonic Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing and Penetrant Testing.  

Another notable achievement at this stage was that David was one of the first people to obtain certification from the fledgling PCN scheme in 1985 – Level 2 in UT, MT and PT, as he held CEGB certification.  

In December 1988, David took a further step forward in his NDT career, when he changed employers and became NDT Manager at William Oxleys, Sheffield.  By August 1995, David was appointed as the NDT Manager for 3-sites of what was then named Aurora Forgings. 

During David’s time at Aurora Forgings, he was appointed as the Rolls Royce supplier Level 3 and responsible for all NDT related activities. Due to David’s success in passing multiple ASNT NDT Level III Certification Exams (which he will have held for 30 years in December 2022), his responsibilities also included the provision of NDT Training and Examinations to Aurora Group NDT personnel. 

Raising the bar in NDT  

At this point in David’s career, it was clear David had a passion for NDT and with a driving force to support the engineering industry and a want to educate the industry about NDT, he joined Argyll Ruane Limited in February 1999 to establish their ‘Level 3 Services’ department.  

David was initially the sole Level 3 Consultant, Trainer and Examiner within the department, but he soon developed this into a team of 14 Level 3 Consultants, offering NDT Consultancy Services, Training and Examinations across multiple engineering sectors, around the globe.  

Whilst David was keen to share the technical requirements of NDT with the wider population, during his time as Level 3 Services Manager, he also supported a number of industry committees and groups, such as the North Atlantic Section of ASNT (NATL) and the Outside Agency/Inside Agency Group and whilst in support of these activities, he still found time to study for a BSc Degree in NDT through Northampton University. 

David was recognised as a fellow of ASNT, which was presented at the 2011 ASNT Fall  Conference in Palm Springs – another great achievement which bolstered the lifetime achievement award that was presented by the American Society of Non Destructive Testing North Atlantic Section in 2009. 

He later transitioned into leading the examinations department as Chief Examiner, ensuring exam candidates have the best possible experience at our exam centres, whilst maintaining the highest levels of Quality and Compliance. 

With over 40 years of experience in the NDT sector, David’s expertise spans multiple industries, and his leadership continues to shape the future of NDT. 

Congratulations, David, on winning the Nemet award, your journey serves as an inspiration to many, and we are proud to have you as part of the Argyll Ruane team!